What aircraft uses turbojet? Analyze hot aviation topics and aircraft model data in the past 10 days
Recently, hot topics in the aviation field revolve around the application of turbojet engines, especially their irreplaceability in modern military and special purpose aircraft. The following is a summary of the hotly debated content and structured data in the past 10 days.
1. Inventory of popular turbojet engine models

| Model | Engine model | Maximum thrust | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| MiG-21 | R-25-300 | 69.6 kN | supersonic fighter |
| SR-71 Blackbird | J58-P4 | 145kN | high altitude reconnaissance aircraft |
| J-7 | WP-13 | 43.2 kN | light fighter |
2. Turbojet vs. Turbofan: Technical Comparison
| parameters | turbojet engine | turbofan engine |
|---|---|---|
| fuel efficiency | lower | higher |
| maximum speed | Mach 2.5+ | Usually ≤ Mach 2 |
| Applicable height | 25,000 meters+ | Usually ≤18,000 meters |
3. Analysis of recent hot events
1.Ukraine modified turbojet drone: The Ukrainian army converted retired R-95 turbojet engines into suicide drones, highlighting the special value of turbojet in low-cost high-speed platforms.
2.China’s new target drone unveiled: The Target-8 supersonic target drone using a small turbojet engine has attracted attention, demonstrating the key role of turbojet in simulating actual combat environments.
3.NASA supersonic research: The combustion chamber technology of the J58 turbojet engine has been re-researched for the development of a new generation of silent supersonic passenger aircraft.
4. Why do these aircraft still use turbojet?
1.extreme speed needs: The SR-71 Blackbird still holds the speed record for manned aircraft (Mach 3.3). Turbojet is the only technical solution that can meet the requirement of sustained supersonic cruise.
2.High altitude performance advantages: The working efficiency of turbojet in thin atmospheric environment is significantly better than that of turbofan, and it is suitable for high-altitude reconnaissance/interception missions.
3.cost and reliability: For disposable platforms such as target drones and missiles, the turbojet with a simple structure is more economical.
5. Future Outlook
| field | Technical direction | Estimated time |
|---|---|---|
| military drone | micro-turbojet cluster | 2025-2030 |
| space launch | Turbojet-rocket hybrid | 2030+ |
| Civil field | Hydrogen fuel turbojet | experimental stage |
The current consensus in the aviation industry is that although turbojet engines have been replaced by turbofans in the mainstream passenger and cargo transportation field, they still have an irreplaceable status in the fields of supersonic speeds, extremely high altitudes, and special missions. With the advancement of new materials and combustion technology, turbojet may be revitalized in a new dimension.
check the details
check the details