Contents
Hans von Ohain
Developing the turbojet that powered the Heinkel He 178
Heinkel He 178 propulsion · Draper Prize
- Born
- 14 December 1911
- Birthplace
- Dessau
- Died
- 13 March 1998
More people
Hans von Ohain
Hans von Ohain was a German engineer and physicist whose engine powered the Heinkel He 178 in 1939. He later worked in aeronautical research in the United States.
Early life
Physics training
He attended school in Berlin and earned a physics doctorate at Göttingen in 1935, initially researching an optical method of recording sound.
Career
- 1930s
Experimental engine
Worked with mechanic Max Hahn on a jet-engine prototype.
- 1936
Heinkel
Joined the aircraft manufacturer to develop his engine.
- 1939
Flight test
His engine powered the He 178’s first flight.
- Postwar
United States
Continued propulsion research for the US Air Force.
Contributions
Heinkel He 178 propulsion
Supplied the engine for the pioneering turbojet aircraft.
Draper Prize
Shared the engineering prize with fellow jet pioneer Frank Whittle.
Beyond research
Friendship
Despite their competing places in aviation history, he and Frank Whittle became friends.
Sources & photo credit
Biography and career ↗Biographical references ↗Original photograph. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
Photo: Air Force Research Laboratory Propulsion Directorate. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.