PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Turbine engine an alternative for small aircraft?
Old 16th October 2012 | 21:24
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Tarq57
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Wellington,NZ
All engines have compromise elements.

They can produce power over a wide rev range, but not be so efficient at doing that, or produce power within a relatively small rev range, with greater efficiency.

Turbines, particularly, are examples of the latter. They're a bit like "peaky" two stroke engines. Very narrow power band, fairly inefficient (and gutless) outside that power band.

Since a lot of lighties spend significant portions of their operation at other than near-maximum power, the inefficiency becomes significant.

Add to that the inefficiency of running the jet at low levels and speeds, and it compounds.
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