U.S. Congressional approval for the GE-HAL jet engine deal involving the first-ever such technology transfer between India and the U.S. is expected to come through in days, U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti said, suggesting that trade ties could make similar strides if India brings down its tariffs and has more “predictable regulations”.

Jet engines, also known as gas turbine engines, are propulsion systems that generate thrust by expelling a high-speed jet of exhaust gases in the opposite direction to the desired movement of the aircraft or vehicle.

Overview of how jet engines work:

Air Intake: Jet engines take in a large amount of air from the atmosphere. This air is then compressed to increase its pressure before entering the combustion chamber.

Combustion: In the combustion chamber, fuel is mixed with the compressed air and ignited.

The resulting combustion of fuel generates a high-temperature, high-pressure gas mixture.

Expansion and Acceleration: The hot and pressurized gases expand rapidly as they move through a series of turbine blades.

These turbines are connected to the compressors at the front of the engine.

As the gases expand and pass through the turbines, they cause the turbines to spin.

Exhaust: The high-speed exhaust gases leaving the turbines are expelled at the rear of the engine at a much higher velocity, creating a force in the opposite direction known as thrust. This thrust propels the aircraft or vehicle forward.

There are various types of jet engines, including turbojet engines, turbofan engines, turboprop engines, and more. Each type has its own design and characteristics suited for specific applications, such as high-speed aircraft, commercial airliners, military jets, and regional turboprop aircraft.

Jet engine technology has evolved significantly over the years, leading to improvements in efficiency, performance, and reduced environmental impact. Modern jet engines often incorporate advanced materials, computerized controls, and aerodynamic design principles to achieve optimal performance.

Jet engines offer several advantages, which is why they are widely used in aviation and various other applications.

High Speed and Thrust: Jet engines are capable of producing high amounts of thrust, which allows for rapid acceleration and high speeds. This makes them ideal for applications where speed is crucial, such as commercial airliners, military aircraft, and high-performance jets.

Efficiency at High Altitudes: Jet engines are most efficient at high altitudes where the air is thinner. This efficiency allows aircraft to fly at cruising altitudes where fuel consumption is optimized, leading to longer ranges and reduced fuel costs.

Simplicity and Reliability: Jet engines have a relatively simple design compared to other propulsion systems, such as piston engines. Their design involves fewer moving parts, which can result in higher reliability and lower maintenance requirements.

Power-to-Weight Ratio: Jet engines have a favorable power-to-weight ratio, meaning they can produce a significant amount of power for their relatively low weight. This is crucial for aircraft and vehicles where weight is a critical factor.

Higher Altitude Capability: Jet engines can operate efficiently at high altitudes, allowing aircraft to fly above adverse weather conditions and turbulence, providing a smoother and more comfortable experience for passengers.

Versatility: Jet engines are used in various applications beyond aviation, including power generation, marine propulsion, and even land-based transportation systems like high-speed trains.

Reduced Vibration: Jet engines produce less vibration compared to some other propulsion systems, leading to a smoother and more comfortable ride for passengers and reduced wear and tear on the aircraft structure.

Lower Maintenance Requirements: While initial maintenance costs can be significant, modern jet engines are designed for durability and extended service intervals. This can result in lower long-term maintenance costs compared to some other propulsion systems.

Environmental Advancements: Advances in jet engine technology have led to reduced emissions and improved fuel efficiency. Modern engines incorporate technologies like more efficient combustion processes, reduced noise emissions, and better fuel economy.

Higher Altitude and Speed Range: Jet engines provide the ability to operate effectively across a wide range of altitudes and speeds, making them suitable for various mission profiles, from short takeoffs and landings to high-speed supersonic flight.

It's important to note that while jet engines have numerous advantages, they also have limitations and considerations, such as fuel consumption, noise pollution, and initial cost. The choice of propulsion system depends on the specific requirements of the application and the balance between these advantages and limitations.