Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 28:37-29:24

Earlier Whittle support could move jets into the 1941 generation

A 1929 British investment counterfactual places limited jet interceptors near 1939 and more prominent jet aircraft in the 1941 generation.

Alternate HistoryFrank WhittleJet AircraftRoyal Air ForceTurbojet Engines
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Question

How far could jet aircraft advance if Britain backed Frank Whittle from 1929?

Short answer

Britain might field a few jet interceptors around 1939 and make jets prominent in the 1941 aircraft generation, while retaining an early technological lead.

Notes

Sustained British support for Frank Whittle from 1929 could produce an early lead in turbojet development. A few interceptor aircraft around the 1939 generation are considered possible. More prominent adoption is placed in the 1941 generation. Continued investment through the Depression is the premise of this estimate.