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yunghellenic t1_j5henip wrote

Reply to comment by ObituaryPegasus in Seattle-based Jetoptera is developing a vertical takeoff aircraft that can travel at almost 1,000 km/h with a radically simplified new type of engine. With almost no moving parts, it uses super-compressed air to create vortexes for thrust. by lughnasadh

Oddly enough, and I’m not talking out of my ass (Licensed aircraft powerplant mechanic) a jet turbine is easier to work on than any reciprocating/piston engine in my opinion. Simplicity is what makes turbine based power plants so reliable. Sure to someone who’s not mechanically inclined it would seem so but it’s actually very simple.

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ObituaryPegasus t1_j5hfvzi wrote

I agree, turbines are simple compared to piston engines. They aren't "almost no moving parts" simple though. My point was that the title of the post was misleading about the power source, as if they'd invented a new type of engine or something, which isn't the case. I am fully aware of how reliable turbines are I was just disappointed once I read the article based on the title.

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Turkstache t1_j5hsoax wrote

>They aren't "almost no moving parts" simple though

The people who say this conveniently omit the myriad of valves and pumps and switches and mechanical computers (or computer computers) and bearings and fluids and reservoirs that are required to safely feed fuel to the engine, manage its airflow/temperature/RPM/acceleration/pressures, and lubricate it.

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Coomb t1_j5ieogk wrote

Also the hundreds or thousands of turbine and compressor blades

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