Airplanes typically use two main types of engines:
1. **Jet Engines**: These engines are common in commercial airliners and military aircraft. They operate by compressing air, mixing it with fuel, and igniting the mixture. The resulting high-speed exhaust gases are expelled, generating thrust. Jet engines include:
- **Turbojet**: Simple design, used in older military aircraft and some commercial jets.
- **Turbofan**: Most widely used in commercial aviation, featuring a large fan that provides additional thrust and efficiency.
- **Turboprop**: Combines a gas turbine engine with a propeller, commonly used in regional and smaller aircraft.
2. **Piston Engines**: Also known as reciprocating engines, these are used in smaller aircraft. They operate similarly to car engines, using pistons to convert fuel energy into mechanical energy. Piston engines are typically more efficient at lower speeds and altitudes and are commonly found in general aviation aircraft.
The choice of engine depends on the type of aircraft, its intended use, and the desired performance characteristics.