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Rolls-Royce co-founder Charles Roll's contributions span motoring and aviation

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Rolls-Royce co-founder Charles Roll's contributions span motoring and aviation
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Charles Rolls, co-founder of the iconic Rolls-Royce company, was a pioneer in both motoring and aviation. Born in 1877, he developed an early interest in engines, earning him the nickname "dirty Rolls." In 1896, at just 18 years old, he purchased one of the first cars in the UK.

Before turning to airplanes, Rolls was an avid balloonist with over 170 ascents to his name. His focus shifted to aviation in 1907 when he encouraged his business partner Royce to design an aero engine. In October 1908, Rolls became the second Briton to fly an airplane when he took flight in a Wright Flyer piloted by Wilbur Wright.

In June 1910, Charles Rolls made history as the first aviator to fly across the English Channel and back nonstop. However, that same year marked a tragic milestone; he became the first Briton killed in an aviation accident involving a powered aircraft when his Wright Flyer's tail broke off during a display at Bournemouth.

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Despite his untimely death at age 32, Charles Rolls left a significant legacy. He co-founded Rolls-Royce with Henry Royce in 1904 after meeting on May 4th of that year. As stated by Rolls-Royce Motorcars: "Rolls and Royce first met on 4 May 1904 in Manchester... After taking the motor car for a drive, Rolls agreed on the spot to sell as many motor cars as Royce could build."

During World War I, Henry Royce led the company into aviation manufacturing with designs like the Rolls-Royce Eagle engine. Today, Rolls-Royce is recognized as one of Britain's leading defense contractors and continues to supply engines for military and commercial aircraft worldwide.

The company's influence extends beyond aerospace; its engineering prowess has been pivotal throughout history. As noted by Roll-Royce: "At the beginning of the First World War... Two Rolls-Royce Eagle engines would go on to power the first transatlantic flight."

Rolls' contribution is also evident today through products like turbofan engines for airliners and propulsion systems for nuclear submarines. The company's reach is global—its technology powers many Western-produced military aircraft.

Charles Roll's story underscores not only his pioneering spirit but also how his early endeavors laid foundational stones for modern engineering marvels associated with both motoring and aviation industries today.

Organizations Included in this History
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