Felix Wankel

Profession: Mechanical Engineer

Nationality:

Biography: Felix Wankel is best known for inventing the Wankel engine, a type of internal combustion engine that uses a rotating triangular rotor instead of the more common piston design.

Wankel faced financial difficulties in his early life and was unable to afford a university education. Despite this, he taught himself technical subjects and conceived the idea for his unique engine design at a young age.

During the 1920s and 1930s, Wankel was involved with various radical anti-Semitic organizations and had a complicated relationship with the Nazi Party. He developed seals and rotary valves for German aircraft and torpedoes during World War II.

After the war, Wankel continued developing his engine design. It gained attention through its use in vehicles manufactured by NSU and Mazda, such as the NSU Wankel-Spider and Mazda's RX-series of cars.

Wankel's engine design proved successful, and he secured licensing agreements with several major automotive manufacturers worldwide. He sold his share in the licensing royalties for a substantial sum and later sold his Technical Development Center to Daimler-Benz.

Throughout his life, Wankel was a strong supporter of animal rights and opposed animal testing. He also received numerous honors and awards for his work, including an honorary doctorate from the Technical University of Munich and Germany's highest civilian honor, the Grand Federal Service Cross.

Born: August 13, 1902
Birthplace: Lahr, Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Tiger
Star Sign: Leo

Died: October 9, 1988 (aged 86)