Powered by Frank Whittle’s W.1 jet engine, the Gloster E.28/39 Pioneer (sometimes referred to as the Gloster Whittle or the Pioneer), successfully completed its historic first flight at RAF Cranwell, achieving a top speed of 370mph at 25,000ft. Flown by Gerry Sayer, Gloster’s chief test pilot, the aircraft took off at 1940 hours, recording a 17-minute flight. It was designed by George Carter and built by the Gloster Aircraft Company in close co-operation with Frank Whittle and Power Jets Ltd.