Secondo Campini

Secondo Campini
Born	(1904-08-28) August 28, 1904 Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Died	February 7, 1980(1980-02-07) (aged 75) Milan, Italy
Occupation(s)	Aerospace engineer, Inventor
Known for	Development of the motorjet engine and the Caproni Campini C.C.2

Secondo Campini (born August 28, 1904 – passed away February 7, 1980) was an Italian engineer recognized as a trailblazer in the development of the jet engine.

Originating from Bologna, in the Emilia-Romagna region, Campini submitted a proposal in 1931 to the Italian Air Ministry highlighting the potential benefits of jet propulsion. The following year, he showcased a jet-driven boat in Venice. With backing from the Air Ministry, Campini collaborated with the Italian aircraft manufacturer Caproni to create a jet aircraft known as the Caproni Campini C.C.2, which achieved its maiden flight in 1940.

The propulsion system Campini engineered for the C.C.2, referred to as a "motorjet," differs significantly from contemporary jet engines. His design utilized a traditional piston engine to compress air before mixing it with fuel and igniting the mixture. Although modern jets operate on the turbojet concept, Campini's motorjet was indeed a genuine jet engine because thrust was generated by the reactive force of exhaust gases expelled during combustion.

Following the conclusion of World War II, Campini relocated to the US at the invitation of Preston Tucker, famed for the Tucker 48 automobile. Tucker sought Campini’s expertise to assist in developing a turbine-powered automobile and leveraged his reputation to pursue a US Air Force development contract for the Tucker Corporation. After the company ceased operations in 1948, Campini contributed to various military initiatives, including work on the YB-49 flying-wing bomber.

Campini passed away in Milan in 1980.