GLOSTER E.28/39 -
The team led by W G Carter designed Britain's first jet-propelled aeroplane
during 1940 to the requirement of Specification E.28/39, the primary object
being to flighttest the Whittle-designed W.I turbojet. Two examples were
built, the first (W4041) flying on May 15, 1941, with a W.I engine giving
about 860 Ib st (390 kgp), and the second (W4046) flying on March 1, 1943,
with a 1,300 Ib st (544 kgp) Rover-built W.2B turbojet. Other engines
were fitted subsequently in both prototypes; the first survived the war
but the second was lost on July 30, 1943, after entering an inverted spin.
Max speed, 466 mph
(749 km/h) at 10,000ft (3,050 m). Gross weight, 3,748 Ib (1,699 kg). Span,
29ft 9 in (8.84 m}. Length, 25ft 3.75 in (7.71m).
