propfans
 

i have heard that the very high bypass (propfan) engine never took off because customers were resistant and although it was more fuel efficient, low oli prices meant that it was not necessary.
with the increase in oil prices lately do you think it could make a comeback?

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Being an airline pilot would be great if you didn't have to go on all those trips.

Information is not easy to find but my suspicion is that the following problems occurred:

1 Increase in efficiency offset by increase in weight.

2 Noise

3 Turbofans getting more efficient

4 These were probably aimed at the turboprop market ie lower levels whereas high level jet flight was becoming more fashionable qith customers.

Fuel is maybe half the direct operating costs so is always of interest.