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I'm not much familiar with these engines but it is
not too appropriate to compare them with piston engines at low
altitude.
Turbines come into their own in thin
air.
You don't see airliners cruising below 10,000
ft.
The T-38's I flew had the same fuel consumption at
idle on the ground as they did cruising at high altitude. (pistons have
trouble with that)
If there is a practical use for these engines, it's
probably more for the long range, high altitude flights and comparisons should
be made over the whole flight profile.
Turbines are sometimes used at low altitudes where
lots of power and light weight are needed at the expense of fuel
economy.
Examples are helicopters and the "Oracle"
showplane.
Mark Ravinski
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