twinturbojet

A twinturbojet is a type of aircraft engine configuration that utilizes two turbojet engines mounted together, typically side-by-side or as a pair. This arrangement is not to be confused with a twin-engine aircraft which might have two engines that are not necessarily turbojets, or a single engine with two turbocharger units. The primary purpose of a twinturbojet setup is to provide increased thrust compared to a single turbojet of similar size. This was a common configuration in early jet aircraft designs, particularly during the 1950s and 1960s, as manufacturers sought to achieve higher speeds and payloads.

The advantages of a twinturbojet configuration include redundancy in the event of an engine failure, although this is more pronounced in twin-engine aircraft in general. For a twinturbojet, the failure of one engine would still leave the aircraft with significant power from the remaining engine. However, the aerodynamic and operational complexities of managing two closely mounted turbojet engines presented challenges. The engines could also be more complex to maintain and control individually.

While twinturbojet configurations were prevalent in some military and early commercial aircraft, they have largely been superseded by more advanced engine designs. These include turbofan engines, which offer improved fuel efficiency and reduced noise, and the widespread adoption of twin-engine configurations using a single, more powerful and efficient engine per wing. Modern jet aircraft overwhelmingly favor turbofan engines due to their superior performance characteristics across a range of flight conditions. The twinturbojet, therefore, represents an important, albeit historical, step in the evolution of jet propulsion.