In 1791, John Barber of England designed a gas turbine, but it would be 100 years before the right materials were available to build one. The first "air-breathing" engines were small, but they could turn large propellers. This made it possible to "push" an aircraft through the air. But, to fly faster than the speed of sound a new air-breathing engine was needed.

During the 1930's two men were trying to design and build this new kind of air-breathing engine. One man lived in Germany and the other man lived in England. They did not know each other. But, they both had the same idea! They both finished building their jet airplanes and flew them. They were both successful.

These lighter, more powerful jet engines made it possible to build bigger and faster aircraft. In less than 100 years we have come from the small Wright flyer to large jets that fly faster than the speed of sound!