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He 178

airplane
Also known as: Heinkel He 178

Quick Summary

The He 178 was the first aircraft to fly successfully using a turbojet engine. Developed by German engineer Ernst Heinkel, it made its maiden flight on August 27, 1939. This groundbreaking achievement was made possible by the turbojet engine designed by Hans von Ohain, who independently conceived the concept of a jet engine. While the He 178's engine used a centrifugal-flow design, which had limitations, it marked a significant step in aviation history, paving the way for future jet-powered aircraft.123

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