5G Technology World

  • 5G Technology and Engineering
  • FAQs
  • Apps
  • Devices
  • IoT
  • RF
  • Radar
  • Wireless Design
  • Learn
    • 5G Videos
    • Ebooks
    • EE Training Days
    • FAQs
    • Learning Center
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Webinars/Digital Events
  • Handbooks
    • 2024
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
  • Resources
    • Design Guide Library
    • EE World Digital Issues
    • Engineering Diversity & Inclusion
    • Engineering Training Days
    • LEAP Awards
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

Tech Throwback: World’s First Jet Liner Crushes Test Flight

By Sarah Goncalves | July 27, 2016

On July 27, 1949, the British De Havilland Comet successfully completed its test-flight as the world’s first jet-propelled aircraft. The brainchild of English aircraft designer and aviation pioneer, Sir Geoffrey de Havilland (1883-1965), the Comet would forever change the game for the airline industry.

In 1952, the British Overseas Aircraft Corporation (BOAC) initiated the world’s first commercial jet service with the Comet 1A. A 44-seat, four-engine passenger craft that flew (“vibration-free”) between London and Johannesburg, the Comet was capable of flying just short of 480 mph—an unprecedented speed that, at the time, shrunk air travel time in half.

Unfortunately, however, Comet service was discontinued following fatal crashes in 1953 and 1954, owing to metal fatigue brought on by constant pressurization and depressurization of the aircraft.

By the time De Havilland improved the design, U.S. airline manufacturers Boeing and Douglas had taken over the airline industry, permanently grounding commercial Comets by the early 1980s.

Despite such an anticlimactic ending to the Comet’s story, the aircraft set a new precedent for the way people travel—particularly, how fast and for how long. 

On that note, check out the infographic (below), showcasing the world’s longest non-stop flights. Beginning in February of this year, the Boeing 777-2000LR aircraft boasts a flight time of 17 hours and 35 minutes between Sydney and Dallas Fort Worth.

Thanks, Comet.


Filed Under: Radar

 

Next Article

← Previous Article
Next Article →

Related Articles Read More >

Butler Matrix
Butler Matrix drives Wi-Fi and other phased-array antennas
FAQ on the Butler matrix for beamforming: part 1
IEEE Phased Array 2024: what we saw
Harrison Osbourn, CEO Signal Hound
New Signal Hound CEO to focus on strategy, marketing, sales

Featured Contributions

  • Overcome Open RAN test and certification challenges
  • Wireless engineers need AI to build networks
  • Why AI chips need PCIe 7.0 IP interconnects
  • circuit board timing How timing and synchronization improve 5G spectrum efficiency
  • Wi-Fi 7 and 5G for FWA need testing
More Featured Contributions

EE TECH TOOLBOX

“ee
Tech Toolbox: 5G Technology
This Tech Toolbox covers the basics of 5G technology plus a story about how engineers designed and built a prototype DSL router mostly from old cellphone parts. Download this first 5G/wired/wireless communications Tech Toolbox to learn more!

EE LEARNING CENTER

EE Learning Center
“5g
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for EE professionals.

Engineering Training Days

engineering
“bills
5G Technology World
  • Enews Signup
  • EE World Online
  • DesignFast
  • EDABoard Forums
  • Electro-Tech-Online Forums
  • Microcontroller Tips
  • Analogic Tips
  • Connector Tips
  • Engineer’s Garage
  • EV Engineering
  • Power Electronic Tips
  • Sensor Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy

Search 5G Technology World