I used to believe that there were only two types of jet engines. I used to assume that the engines used in commercial aircraft were likewise present in combat fighters. However, as time passed, I realized and learned that there are several types of jet engines. Only then did I realize that prop aircraft like the Hawker Siddeley 748 and today’s ATR 72 employ a jet engine to drive the propellers! I’ll now discuss the many types of jet engines utilized in modern aircraft.
These engines include turbojets, which are often found in fighter aircraft, turbofans and turboprops, which are used in commercial planes, and ram jets, which are found in high-speed military planes such as the SR-71.
Jet engines are a type of propulsion system that uses a jet of gas to generate thrust. There are several different types of jet engines, each with its own unique characteristics and uses.
So how does a jet engine work?
Many still wonder how a jet engine works. Basically, a jet engine compresses air at the front, mixes it with fuel, and ignites it to generate a high-speed jet of hot exhaust gases. This jet drives the engine and aircraft. The compressor draws air from the engine’s front. High-speed fan blades in the compressor increase the air pressure and density.
Compressed air enters the combustion chamber, where fuel and a spark ignite it. The turbine portion receives high-temperature, high-pressure gas from burning fuel. Fan blades attached to the compressor and front engine fan make form the turbine. The turbine’s blades rotate, powering the compressor and fan at the engine’s front. The rear nozzle accelerates exhaust gases to form a high-speed jet. This jet propels the plane.
Turbojet engine
The first type of jet engine is the turbojet. This engine uses a turbine to compress air, which is then mixed with fuel and ignited to create a high-speed jet of gas that propels the aircraft forward. Turbojets are the simplest and most basic type of jet engine and were the first to be developed. Early jet planes, like the Lockheed U-2 and the de Havilland Vampire, used them a lot.
Turbofan engine
The second type of jet engine is the turbofan. This engine is similar to a turbojet, but it has an additional fan at the front that helps to compress air before it enters the combustion chamber. This fan also helps to reduce the noise generated by the engine. Turbofans are more efficient than turbojets and are widely used in commercial airliners, such as the Boeing 777 and the Airbus A320.
Turboprop engine
The third type of is the turboprop. This engine is similar to a turbofan, but it uses a turbine to drive a propeller instead of a fan. Turboprops are typically used in regional airliners and military aircraft, such as the ATR 42 and the C-130 Hercules.
Ramjet
The fourth type of is the ramjet. This engine doesn’t have a compressor, but instead it uses the high-speed forward motion of the aircraft to compress the air before it enters the combustion chamber. Ramjets are less efficient than other types of jet engines and are typically used in high-speed missiles and aircraft, such as the SR-71 Blackbird and the Dassault Mirage III.
Scramjet
The fifth type is the scramjet. Similar to a ramjet, the scramjet engine uses the high-speed forward motion of the aircraft to compress the air before it enters the combustion chamber. However, unlike a ramjet, the scramjet can operate at supersonic speeds, which makes it unique and much more efficient at high speeds. They are currently under development for hypersonic flight and military applications.
Jet engines come in many different types, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. Turbojets, turbofans, turboprops, ramjets, and scramjets are the main types of jet engines, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. They are used in a wide variety of aircraft, from commercial airliners to military jets and missiles.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
