3.2 — Propulsion: Thrust, Efficiency & Engine Types

Key insights

Key ideas from this lesson:

• Thrust is momentum change: T = ṁ × (V_jet − V_aircraft).
• High bypass-ratio turbofans move more air slower — better propulsive efficiency at subsonic speeds.
• Turboprops shine at lower speeds; turbojets were built for high-speed flight.
• Specific fuel consumption (fuel per unit thrust per hour) is the key economy metric.

(Draft — refine in admin.)