[Joeaksa]

Originally Posted by MFAFF

Its a shame there are so few (one I believe) flying Benz engined 109s, since Black 6 was 'retired' after her second restoration to flightworthy status.

I think you'll find that Whittle was the first... his designs were runnig first, but took longer to get airborne because the RAF, in its infinite wisdom refused to se the value in the gas turbine engine.. ostrich comes to mind. Von

It would appear that the Third Reich was foresighted enough to turn others' scientific work into reality.. thus leaping ahead. They combined their own with the others work to develop practical applications...

Have you seen the book on the restoration of Black 6? Wonderful book and a good read for anyone interested in this sort of thing. If anyone in the states wants to read it might be talked into loaning it out as long as I can be guaranteed that I get it back.

Whittle was a genius and not recognized by the RAF until far too late. Thank God that they sent a couple of engines over to the states where they pounced on them, making copies and pushing ahead in the field of jet turbine engines. Of course then some idiot in the RAF/UK govt sold 5-6 jet engines to the Ruskies after the war was over, leaping their jet engine technology light years ahead overnight.

Did not know that you were that deep into the old airplanes. We need to get together again in London and talk airplanes!

Joe