Dr. Max Bentele—Pioneer of the Jet Age

Abstract

This paper documents the pioneering work of Dr. Max Bentele during his long and distinguished career in Germany, the UK, and the United States. His early work on turbojets at the Heinkel-Hirth Corporation in conjunction with his life-long friend, Dr. Hans von Ohain, culminated in the development of the advanced HeS 011 turbojet. Dr. Bentele’s pioneering work in the area of blade vibration is documented along with details of his spectacular solution of the turbine blade vibration problem of the Junkers 004B engine which propelled the world’s first operational jet fighter—the Me-262. Also covered are his pioneering contributions to turbine blade cooling and blade manufacturing and his important work at Curtiss—Wright and Avco Lycoming prior to his retirement.