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Hans von Ohain is the developer of the first turbojet engine used in flight and is a renowned expert in the field of propulsion and energy conversion. Von Ohain received a doctorate in Physics and Allied Mechanics in 1935 at the University of Goetingen, Germany, and was employed by Ernst Heinkel during the 1930s. In 1939 the first turbojet flight took place with the flight of the Heinkel He 178, which had the He S 3B engine. Two years later, von Ohain developed the He S 8A, which was the first jet fighter aircraft. In 1947 von Ohain came to the United States and became a research scientist at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. In 1963 he became chief scientist of the Aerospace Research Laboratory and in 1975, chief scientist of the Aero Propulsion Laboratory. After retiring in 1979, von Ohain served as Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Dayton and as a consultant to both government and industry. Von Ohain has published more than 30 technical papers and has registered 19 United States patents.

 Identifier

NASM.1995.0059

Creator

von Ohain, Hans

Date

[ca. 1930s-1980s]

Provenance

Hans von Ohain, Gift, 1995, 1995-0059, NASM

Extent

20.03 Cubic feet ((17 records center boxes) (1 flatbox) (3 tubes))

Archival Repository

National Air and Space Museum Archives

Scope and Contents

This collection documents Hans von Ohain's professional career in propulsion. While there is documentation on both his work in Germany and the United States, the majority of the collection covers his career in the latter -- especially his positions at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The following types of material are included: magazine articles written by, or about, von Ohain; engine manufacturing brochures; awards and recommendations for von Ohain; books; drawings of the He S 3B turbojet engine; photographs; flow charts; correspondence; and historical papers.

Rights

Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests

Restrictions

No restrictions on access

Topics

Aeronautics, Military

Aeronautics, Commercial

Aeronautics -- Research

Aeronautics

Jet propulsion

Airplanes -- Jet propulsion

Airplanes

Heinkel He S3B Turbojet (engine)

Heinkel He 178

Heinkel He S8 (109-011) Turbojet (engine)

Type

Collection descriptions

Archival materials

Correspondence

Photographs

Drawings

Publications

Awards

Brochures

Clippings