The Sir Frank Whittle Panel

The Whittle Engine

The testing of the WU Whittle engine began in 1937. The first attempt to start it under its own power was successful, in fact too successful, as it accelerated out of control. This first experimental engine was eventually fitted with 10 combustion chambers and lasted for nearly 4 years before it was eventually damaged beyond repair.

The Whittle Statue

The town decided to honour Sir Frank Whittle with a bust which is sited on the Church Street side of the Memorial Gardens. It was unveiled by the great man himself in 1987. The sculpture was carried out by Dr G Feilden

Sir Frank Whittle

Sir Frank Whittle, the inventor of the jet engine was born in Coventry. He joined the RAF as an apprentice fitter, going on to become a pilot. He was later seconded to Cambridge University where he gained a First in Mechanical Sciences. He went on the develop his dream of jet propulsion. He moved to Lutterworth from Power Jets in Rugby in 1938, and continued to test and develop his jet engine at the Ladywood Works on Leicester Road. In 1942 Power Jets and Whittle left Lutterworth and moved to larger premises at Whetstone.

The Gloster E28/39 W4041 Aeroplane

The first aircraft to fly with the Whittle engine, the craft took off briefly during a test in Gloucestershire in 1941, making it's maiden flight at Cranwell, Lincolnshire, a few months later.

A full size replica of this aeroplane has now been erected on the roundabout to the south of Lutterworth (A426-M1-Magna Park) as a tribute to Sir Frank's work.