An engine airplane, also known as a powered aircraft or a powered airplane, is an aircraft that uses an engine or multiple engines for propulsion. These engines generate thrust, which enables the airplane to overcome aerodynamic drag and lift into the air, allowing it to fly.
Engine airplanes can be categorized based on the type of engines they use:
- Reciprocating Engine Aircraft: These airplanes use piston engines, which operate through the reciprocating motion of pistons within cylinders. They are commonly found in smaller general aviation aircraft. These engines burn aviation gasoline or avgas.
- Turbine Engine Aircraft: These airplanes are powered by gas turbine engines, which include turbojet, turbofan, turboprop, or turboshaft engines. Turbine engines are more commonly used in larger commercial airliners and some high-performance general aviation aircraft. They typically run on jet fuel (known as Jet A or Jet A-1).
- Electrically Powered Aircraft: In recent years, there has been growing interest and development in electrically powered aircraft. These planes use electric motors powered by batteries or fuel cells instead of traditional internal combustion engines. While mostly in the experimental and small-scale stage, electric aircraft are gaining attention due to their potential for reduced emissions and operating costs.
Engine airplanes come in various sizes, from small single-engine propeller aircraft used for personal and training purposes to large commercial jetliners used for passenger and cargo transportation. The choice of engine type and aircraft design depends on factors such as the intended purpose, range, payload capacity, speed, and efficiency required for the specific aviation operation.