Engine Types for Aircraft An Overview of Aviation Propulsion Systems Prepared by: CCPL Wang
Introduction Aircraft engines provide the thrust necessary for flight. There are several types of engines used in aviation, each with unique characteristics and applications.
Piston Engines - Operates like a car engine using cylinders and pistons - Typically used in small aircraft - Efficient at lower speeds and altitudes - Relatively low cost and simple maintenance Most commonly seen on Trainer or personal aircraft (Cessna 172 Skyhawk, Diamond DA-40)
Turboprop Engines - Combines a gas turbine with a propeller - Efficient for short to medium-haul flights - Common in regional aircraft - Provides better fuel efficiency at lower speeds Commonly seen on Regional aircraft such as…(King Air, Q400)
Turbojet Engines - First type of gas turbine engine - Produces thrust by expelling high-speed exhaust gases - High speed and altitude performance - Noisy and less fuel-efficient compared to modern engines Equipped on almost all modern day jet airliners
Turbofan Engines - Most widely used in commercial aviation today - Uses a large fan to bypass air around the engine core - Quieter and more fuel-efficient than turbojets - Suitable for long-haul and high-speed flights Commonly seen on (B737,A320,B777,A380 as well as some modern day fighters)
Ramjet and Scramjet Engines - Ramjets: Work efficiently at supersonic speeds, no moving parts - Scramjets: Advanced ramjets for hypersonic speeds - Experimental, used in military and space research - Require high initial speed to operate (NASA X-43A and Boeing X-51)
Conclusion Aircraft engines have evolved to suit different flight needs: - Piston and turboprops for smaller, regional aircraft - Turbofans for commercial aviation - Turbojets, ramjets, and scramjets for high-speed and experimental flight The choice of engine depends on speed, range, and efficiency requirements.