Frank Whittle: Invention of the Jet

The story of the jet engine has everything: genius, tragedy, heroism, a world war, the individual vs. the state -- & an idea that would change the world. British inventor Frank Whittle maintained that he was held back by lack of gov t. support. At the very moment when his invention was unveiled to the world, his co., Power Jets, was forcibly nationalized. In fact, Whittle s innovative brilliance, his charm & charisma helped him recruit major support from the British gov t. & the Royal Air Force (RAF) for his ambitious idea -- to build a jet engine -- at a time when to do so made little sense. A true story of what pushing technology to its limits can achieve & the effect that such achievement can have on those closely involved. B&W photos. Small format.