Why are jet engines so inefficient?

The real problem at hand is that a lot of the power produced by the engine is absorbed by drag from the poor design of the aircraft. This is what primarily contributes to the relative inefficiency of light airplanes when compared to other transportation methods.



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The combustion of hydrocarbon fuels—by aircraft engines as well as other types of internal combustion engines— produces carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapor, NOx, carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of sulfur (SOx), unburned hydrocarbons, particulates (primarily soot, which in high enough concentrations is visible as smoke), and ...

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However, compared to a kerosine-type fuel, wide-cut jet fuel was found to have operational disadvantages due to its higher volatility: Greater losses due to evaporation at high altitudes. Greater risk of fire during handling on the ground. Crashes of planes fueled with wide-cut fuel were less survivable.

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One of the primary advantages of turboprop engines is their fuel efficiency. They consume less fuel compared to jet engines, especially during short-haul flights and at lower cruising speeds and low altitudes.

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Using leaded avgas in a modern car would ruin components such as the catalytic converter. Conversely, Jet-A wouldn't work in a gas engine. It would be like putting diesel fuel in your gas-powered car, it just won't run.

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