Which is more efficient? A jet engine, or a propeller engine?

I'm sure a jet engine is more powerful, but which engine would move 1000 pounds of freight from point A to point B using the least amount of fuel.

2009-01-21T10:15:19Z

What I'm ultimately trying to figure out is a pump design in my mind, and I'm wondering if piston pumps could be more efficient than pelton wheel type designs. It's not just an abstract idea. What I've been thinking is of a 3 cylinder radial pump, and 3 cylinder radial airplane engines were considered the hot thing right before jet engines came out. I'm wondering if the 3 cylinder radial pump could be an improvement, especially at low rpm's. I know that's not what I asked, but that's what I'm trying to figure out. :)

Sullivan2009-01-21T12:56:31Z

Favorite Answer

Above answers are wrong. Turboprops are the most efficient at lower speeds; turbofans (ducted fans) at higher speeds. Turbojets (no bypass) run a very distant third.

No jet transport aircraft in current production use turbojets - fuel efficiency is the primary reason.

The reason medium- and long-distance airliners use turbofans rather than propellers is speed, not efficiency. Turboprops would be more efficient but not at the speeds achievable by jet aircraft, and travelers are willing to pay for the reduced travel time.

Note that on short hops (under 200 miles or so), where the difference in travel time would be insignificant, turboprop aircraft ("commuter planes") have completely replaced jets. Again, fuel efficiency is a prime reason.

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Anonymous2009-01-21T09:39:07Z

Turbo jet is more efficient, followed by a ducted fan and then a simple propeller.

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Gianluca2009-01-21T17:43:46Z

jet engine

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Anonymous2009-01-21T09:52:51Z

why do you think airlines use jet engines?

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