Throttle bashing
Most in the flying game know that "throttle bashing" or changing power to chase airspeed or to maintain a formation position uses more fuel than if you used a constant power setting. My question is why.
Another example is using automatic throttle control, which in the aircraft I fly is said to be slightly less efficient than leaving the throttle at a constant position.
I was hoping someone with a good working knowledge of gas turbine engines might be able to answer this for me. Is it because some power is lost by having to accelerate and decelerate the compressor and turbine or something to do with the combustion efficiency with changing fuel flows?
A well informed answer would be much appreciated.