But would society been ready then?
For a rocket/turbojet engine in 1896? It took Edison 20 yrs for his phonograph to become a commonplace device, and to my grandpappy's dying day, would not allow electricity into the house(1947!) Yup the tech might have been there, but the people's acceptence to this technology is somewhat stunted and delayed by societies attitudes and education. Might call it a Leaning curve, if you please.