The Development History of Planes Engine

Abstract

The development of jet engines represents one of the greatest achievements in modern engineering, reflecting humanity’s constant pursuit of speed, efficiency, and innovation. From the early piston engines that first lifted aircraft into the sky to today’s advanced turbofan and combined-cycle propulsion systems, the evolution of aircraft engines has continuously reshaped transportation, economics, and defense. Piston engines, though mechanically simple and reliable, were limited in speed and altitude, paving the way for turbojets in the 1940s, which enabled supersonic flight. As aviation demand grew, turbofan engines emerged, offering a balance between power, fuel efficiency, and noise reduction, while turboprop engines became essential for regional and short-haul aircraft due to their superior economy. In recent years, combined-cycle engines have opened new frontiers in hypersonic and reusable aerospace propulsion. At the same time, computational tools such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and thermodynamic modeling have revolutionized engine design and optimization, accelerating innovation. Looking forward, with continuous breakthroughs in materials, digitalization, and intelligent control, jet engines will become even cleaner, safer, and more efficient, continuing to drive the progress of human civilization.