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Studies begun by Dr. Hans von Ohain in 1933 led to a propulsion process in which compression and expansion were separated and carried out by a turbo compressor and turbine respectively. A model jet engine only partially functioned correctly, indicating a need for systematic development effort with industrial support and funding, leading to his employment with the Heinkel Corporation.

Von Ohain's gaseous hydrogen-powered turbojet engine designated HeS 1 ran successfully in early 1937. The HeS 3B engine, which evolved in 1938, used internal fuel gasification initially rather than the desired atomized liquid fuel injection system used in later versions. On August 27, 1939, the HeS 3B powered the Heinkel He 178 on the world's first flight of a turbojet powered aircraft.

The German Engine Industry built this non-working reproduction under the leadership of the M.T.U. Co. at the request of the Deutsches Museum of Munich, Germany, from plans drawn by Dr. von Ohain.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Date 1938 Country of Origin Germany Type PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet) Designer Dr. Hans von Ohain
 Manufacturer Heinkel-Hirth (Hirth-Motorenwerke), Stuttgart, Germany
Motoren- und Turbinen-Union Munchen GmbH
 Physical Description Type: Turbojet, single-shaft, Thrust: 4,412 N (992 lb) at 11,000 rpm Compressor: Single-stage, axial- flow inducer, centrifugal-flow Combustor: Gaseous annular reverse-flow Turbine: Single-stage radial Weight: 360 kg (794 lb) Dimensions Length 128.9 cm (50.75 in.), Width 116.8 cm (46.0 in.), Height 106.0 cm (41.75 in.)
 Materials Metal, Wood, Plexiglas
 Inventory Number A19810039000 Credit Line Gift of Motoren- und Turbinen-Union Company, Munich, Germany Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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