Jack Fellows (American, B. 1941) "1939 Heinkel He 178" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Masonite painting.Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover of the Heinkel He 178 from the 100 Year of Powered Flight Collection.German aircraft designer Ernst Heinkel wished to get into the engine business, and knowing that piston-engine manufacturing was out of the question because of the expense and time involved, opted for the efforts of young Dr. Hans Joachim Pabst von Ohain in March 1936. Ohain was developing ideas on jet propulsion, and by September 1937, had a jet engine running, using hydrogen as fuel. The He 178 was a tiny aircraft, with a wingspan of just over 23 feet, and weighing less than 5,000 pounds. It was purely for research, although Heinkel already had fighter followon projects in mind. On August 27, 1939, Erich Warsitz became the world's first jet pilot by lifting the He 178 off the field at Marienehe, making a quick circuit, with landing gear extended, and then landing.Image Size: 16.5 x 14 in.Overall Size: 18 x 15.5 in.Unframed.(B17196)