Not all airplanes are powered by a single jet engine. Most commercial airliners, in fact, are powered by two or even four jet engines. Airplanes with two jet engines are known as twinjets. A typical twinjet features two turbofan engines. Below are six fun facts about twinjets.
#1) More Efficient Than Trijets and Quadjets
Twinjets are more efficient than both trijets and quadjets. Trijets, of course, are powered by three jet engines, whereas quadjets are powered by four jet engines. Twinjets are able to use their fuel more efficiently than their trijet and quadjet counterparts, resulting in cost-savings for airlines and lower ticket prices for passengers.
#2) Higher Thrust-to-Weight Ratio
In addition to being more efficient than trijets and quadjets, twinjets typically have a higher thrust-to-weight ratio. As the name suggests, thrust-to-weight ratio represents the amount of thrust an airplane produces relative to the airplane’s weight. Twinjets and other airplanes with a high thrust-to-weight ratio can accelerate and take off faster than those with a lower thrust-to-weight ratio.
#3) Enhanced Safety
When compared to single-engine airplanes, twinjets are considered safer. Engine failures can occur. If one of the engines fails, the other engines will provide the necessary thrust to maintain lift. Single-engine airplanes, though, don’t have this redundancy. They are reliant on a single engine, and if that fails, the pilot may have to attempt an emergency landing.
#4) The Boeing 777X Is the Largest Twinjet
Measuring jet under 252 feet long, the Boeing 777X holds the title of being the world’s largest twinjet. It was originally launched in 2013. The 777X is available in two variants: 778 and 777-9. The former supports up to 384 passengers, whereas the latter supports up to 426 passengers.
#5) The First Twinjet Was Produced in 1940
Twinjets aren’t new. They’ve actually been around for nearly a century. The world’s first twinjet, the He-280, was produced in 1940. Produced by the German aerospace manufacturer Heinkel, it featured two jet engines.
#6) Most Commercial Airliners Are Twinjets
You might be surprised to learn that most commercial airliners aren’t twinjets. They aren’t powered by a single engine, nor are they powered by three or four engines. Rather, most commercial airliners are powered by two jet engines, making them twinjets. Twinjets currently account for roughly 90% of all new aircraft orders placed by commercial airlines, attesting to their popularity.
