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Environmental Earth Science Archive

Jet Engine Efficiency at High Altitude

8/6/2005

  
name         Steve
grade        other
location     AZ

Question -   Why is a jet engine so much more efficient at high
altitude than at low altitude?
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The engines themselves are largely designed to operate at high altitude due
to the thinner air present.  By pushing the airplane through thinner air,
the entire aircraft is more efficient.

Ryan Belscamper
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