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First IMechE Local Branch
The first Institution of Mechanical Engineers local members’ branch is created in Birmingham, the birthplace of the Institution (1847) before its move to London in 1877. -
First rotary engine
Felix Wankel develops the Wankel engine, the world's first rotary engine. -
Rocket Propellant
The world's first liquid rocket propellant is launched by Robert Goddard, near Worcester, Massachusetts. -
Transatlantic airplane flight
American pilot Charles Lindbergh lands in Paris, successfully completing the first solo transatlantic airplane flight. -
Jet Engine
Frank Whittle invents jet propulsion, patented 1930. -
Quick Freeze Machine
Clarence Birdseye patents the 'Quick Freeze Machine', reducing the time needed to freeze food from three days to a few minutes. -
Wind Generator
The 100kW Balaclava wind generator, the first utility scale wind turbine, opened in Russia. It operated for two years along the Caspian Sea. Also, in 1931 the Darrieus wind turbine was developed as a vertical axis turbine used to generate electricity. By the 1930's farms across the U. S. were using small wind turbines. -
Piccadilly Circus electrified
In London, Piccadilly Circus lights are lit by electricity for the first time. -
Steam locomotive speed record broken
The Mallard locomotive gains the world speed record for steam locomotives at 126 mph (203 kph). It was designed by the renowned locomotive engineer Sir Nigel Gresley. -
Nuclear chain reaction
Enrico Fermi demonstrates the first self supporting nuclear chain reaction in a laboratory at the University of Chicago. -
Dialysis machine
The artificial kidney (dialysis machine) is tested for the first time. -
Calculator
American Howard Aiken develops the first fully automatic, large scale calculator, known as the Harvard Mark I. It has over 750,000 parts. -
Hydrogen fuel cell
Francis Thomas Bacon builds the first modern fuel cell, fed with high pressure hydrogen. -
Apollo 13
Apollo 13, carrying three US astronauts, splashes down safely after a five day rescue operation in space. The trouble is caused by an explosion on board the spacecraft during their journey to land on the Moon. -
Sonic toothbrush
Philips invent the sonic toothbrush. -
GPS
Conceived by Roger Easton, GPS (Global Positioning System) measures time and location in all weathers using a network of satellites. -
Solar Atlantic Crossing
Sun21 completes the first solar-powered crossing of the Atlantic Ocean taking 29 days. -
Supersub
Built by BAE Systems, HMS Ambush has enough nuclear fuel to carry on cruising for up to 25 years non-stop and is capable of hearing a ship leaving port in New York whilst sat underwater in the English channel.
