Turbomoottoreilla

Turbomoottoreilla, commonly known as turboshaft engines, are a type of gas turbine engine that delivers its power through a rotating shaft. Unlike turbojet or turbofan engines which produce thrust by expelling exhaust gases, turboshaft engines are primarily designed to drive something, such as a propeller, rotor, or generator. The core of a turboshaft engine is similar to other gas turbines, consisting of a compressor, combustor, and turbine. However, a significant portion of the energy generated by the combustion process is extracted by an additional turbine, called the power turbine. This power turbine is mechanically linked to the output shaft, which is what provides the usable rotational power.

Turboshaft engines are favored for applications where high power-to-weight ratios and reliability are crucial. Their most well-known application is in helicopters, where the output shaft drives the main rotor and tail rotor, enabling vertical takeoff and landing, hovering, and forward flight. They are also used in turboprop aircraft, where they drive a propeller, offering improved fuel efficiency compared to pure jets at lower altitudes and speeds. Beyond aviation, turboshaft engines find use in some industrial applications, such as powering electrical generators in remote locations or as prime movers in some marine vessels. Their continuous power output and relatively compact size make them versatile for a range of demanding tasks.