The Airplanes Engine
Just like a plane's wings provide lift, a plane's engine provides the necessary thrust (forward motion) to carry it from place to place. The engine must put out enough energy to counter the air resistance, which is the air that is pushing onto the plane as it flies. This force is what causes people in a wind storm to be blown of balance and have a harder time walking, as the air is slamming into them as it flows towards its destination. The first planes used steam powered engines to provide thrust for the vehicle, whereas modern engines run on a special formulated gasoline that is used more efficiently and provides more power. An average commercial airplane engine can use up 5 gallons of gas per miles, which is equivalent to roughly 1 gallon per second, and produce up 127,000 lbs of thrust. With most commercial planes coming in at around 826,000 lbs at max weight, the engine has a huge job to do. Most aircraft usually have multiple engines, whether it be an advanced gas engine, or simple propeller engine, they both operate in similar ways. The fans inside the engines pull air into the engine, which then pushes the air out the other side, producing the necessary thrust. The air being pushed out the rear of the engine also acts as a coolant source for the engine, to prevent the engine from overheating and stopping.