Difference between revisions of "J-33 "Wheesley" Turbofan Engine"

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(Characteristics description and usage partly rewritten due to changes in engine stats and aerodynamics)
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The '''J-33 "Wheesely" Turbofan Engine''' is an [[Jet engine|air-breathing engine]] which uses [[liquid fuel]] and [[intake air]]. This engine is the second air-breathing engine which can be unlocked in the [[Technology tree|tech tree]], after the [[J-20 "Juno" Basic Jet Engine|J-20 "Juno"]].
 
 
== Performance and usage ==
 
[[File:J-33 Wheesley Turbofan Engine velocity curve.png|thumbnail|left|High velocity sharply reduces its thrust.]]
 
[[File:J-33 Wheesley Turbofan Engine atmosphere curve.png|thumbnail|left|Thrust increases with increased air pressure.]]
 
 
Unlike many of the other jet engines (and all of the rockets), this engine is capable of reversing its thrust. This makes it very useful for backing aircraft into hangars and for rapid deceleration during landing. The only other engine capable of this feat is the enormous [[J-90 "Goliath" Turbofan Engine|J-90 "Goliath"]].
 
 
As with all jet engines, its thrust decreases significantly with altitude. Its maximum '''stationary''' thrust is rated at 120 kN at sea level. At about 8,000 m it generates just 48 kN, and at about 15,000 m it generates no more than 13.7 kN, ceasing to work entirely at about 22,900 m, which is remarkeably more than in prior versions (~15,600 m). Note that the behavior between these points (as shown in the part stats) is slightly non-linear.
 
 
Thrust output also varies with '''speed''', although far less than on the more advanced engines. Similar to the other two low-speed engines, its thrust does not increase with speed, in contrast to the high-speed engines. Up to Mach 0.5 the thrust drops to about 80%, recovering to 95% at about Mach 1.5. Going faster, the thrust drops considerably quick, limiting usage to about Mach 2.1. 
 
 
The [[Specific_impulse|I<sub>sp</sub>]] stays constant over the full range of application, which is a big change compared to KSP in pre-1.0 versions. It is rated at 10,500 s, making it the second most fuel-efficient engine, only the far more advanced 'Goliath' beating it. Being capable of sustained Mach 2 flight even with low tech plane parts, it is a good first choice for medium range flight, while real long range missions may be more convenient with a high speed engine, trading in some fuel efficiency for reduced flight time.
 
 
Overall, it works best between 8,000 and 15,000 m altitude. Flying lower, the high air resistance requires more thrust which lowers the fuel efficiency, while in higher areas the engine's thrust output is simply too low for reasonable performance in flight.
 
 
Note that currently, the only planets which this engine will work on are [[Kerbin]] and [[Jool]]'s moon [[Laythe]].
 
 
== Product description ==
 
{{Quote
 
|A high bypass turbofan engine. This engine works best at low cruising speeds and altitudes.
 
}}
 
 
Created by: C. Jenkins
 
 
== Trivia ==
 
The designation “J-33 Wheesley” may be a reference to the real-life JT3D turbofan jet engine, also known as the TF33, made by U.S. aerospace company Pratt & Whitney which was involved with the Space Race.
 
 
== Changes ==
 
 
[[File:Basicjetengine.png|thumb|Appearance before [[1.0.5]]]]
 
 
;[[1.1]]..[[1.2]]
 
* general performance increase ( I<sub>sp</sub>, thrust, ceiling height, max speed)
 
 
;[[1.0.5]]
 
* Remodeled, renamed, new description, and retextured
 
 
;[[1.0.3]]
 
* I<sub>sp</sub> halved, thrust reduced
 
 
;[[1.0]]
 
* complete overhaul of most characteristics
 
 
;[[0.15]]
 
* Initial Release
 
 
{{Parts}}
 
[[Category:Jet engines]]
 

Revision as of 17:48, 17 March 2017