Definition
German physicist and engineer (1911–1998) credited with designing and building the first operational turbojet engine to power an aircraft in flight. His engine, the Heinkel HeS 3, flew in the Heinkel He 178 on August 27, 1939, marking the beginning of the jet age. Von Ohain developed his turbojet independently of Sir Frank Whittle in England, who patented a similar design earlier but flew his engine later.
Plain English
The German engineer who built the first jet engine that actually flew an aircraft. His engine powered a small experimental plane in 1939, which was the first jet flight in history.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation powerplant history when studying how turbine and jet engines were developed.
Why Pilots Care
His independent invention of the turbojet established the core technology behind nearly all modern jet propulsion in commercial and military aircraft.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor noted that Dr. Hans von Ohain's 1939 engine flight in the He 178 is widely considered the start of practical jet aviation.
Example Sentence 2
Maintenance technicians studying jet engine history learn that Von Ohain, Dr. Hans Pabst, achieved successful flight with his design well before many competing efforts.