In 1936, Hans Joachim Pabst Von Ohain was a young physics professor at the University of Göttingen, while studying the development of a gas turbine.

“Von Ohain at age 25”

In collaboration with technicians from Heinkel (see), and in the factory premises, he would build the first turbine that would revolutionize air navigation.

His most frequent collaborator was the technician Max Hahn.

The first HeS-1 engine ran in February 1937, and due to the small size of the rotor, it accelerated and decelerated with immediate response to commands. It ran on hydrogen.

“Diagram of the Von Ohain turbine”

-It produced 250 lbf of thrust at 10,000 rpm, exceeding the desired performance expectations. The engine continued to be improved until it reached the HeS-3.

-To test this engine in flight, the Heinkel factory built a special aircraft, the Heinkel 178, on which the new powerplant, the HeS-3b, was installed.

“Heinkel-178 on the day of the first flight”

-The first turbojet engine flight in history took place in August 1939.

“Heinkel-Von Ohain HeS-3b engine”

-This occurred with pilot E. Wasitz at the controls over the Rostock-Marienehe airfield.