Definition
Dr. Hans von Ohain (1911–1998) was a German physicist and aircraft engine designer credited with developing the first operational turbojet engine to power an aircraft. His engine, the Heinkel HeS 3B, powered the Heinkel He 178 on its first flight on August 27, 1939, marking the beginning of the jet age in aviation.
Plain English
Dr. Hans von Ohain was the German engineer who built the first jet engine to actually fly an airplane. His engine powered the world's first jet flight in 1939.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation history discussions, especially when studying the early development of jet engines and turbine-powered aircraft.
Why Pilots Care
His engine design began the jet age that now carries nearly all commercial passengers and most military aircraft.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as the name of an aircraft part or system. Von Ohain, Dr refers to a person: Dr. Hans von Ohain, an early jet-engine pioneer.
Example Sentence 1
Dr. von Ohain's turbojet powered the Heinkel He 178 on the first jet-propelled flight in history.
Example Sentence 2
Pilots today fly aircraft that trace their powerplants back to the work of Dr. Von Ohain.