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> Similarly, the lack of first generation jets flying today has a lot more to do with metal fatigue and the maintenance requirements Don't forget engine effici
by sofixa 4y ago
> Similarly, the lack of first generation jets flying today has a lot more to do with metal fatigue and the maintenance requirements
Don't forget engine efficiency. Early jets engines were extremely fuel hungry, and even today in the span of a decade engine efficiency has drastically improved.
- notahacker 4y agoTrue, consistent fuel efficiency is a huge part of the limited design life of modern aircraft, and why it makes sense for airliners to pay for brand new aircraft to replace perfectly adequate 10 year old aircraft on competitive routes. And the fuel economy of the Comet and 707 was awful. But to my knowledge the DC-3 fuel economy doesn't compare favourably on a passenger-km or tonne km basis with later generation jet aircraft that have been retired Difference is you can keep an ancient DC-3 around for occasional use with relatively basic maintenance, whereas a second generation jet or turboprop comes with service and life-limited parts requirements to make it considered airworthy that would cost more than the aircraft is worth...