Are Modern Fighter Jets Equipped with Afterburners at All Times?

Afterburners are used to boost thrust significantly during critical phases of flight, such as takeoffs, dogfights, and rapid acceleration. However, these engines are not designed to be used continuously, primarily due to the excessive fuel consumption and the resulting infrared signature that makes the aircraft more vulnerable to detection.

Why Aren't Afterburners Used Exclusively?

The higher fuel consumption associated with afterburners means that they are not practical for extended periods. In fact, these engines are typically used during takeoff and in combat scenarios where rapid acceleration is necessary.

When Are Afterburners Actually Utilized?

Afterburners are often used during specific phases of flight:

Takeoff: They help achieve much faster acceleration during takeoff, which is crucial for military operations and competitiveness. Dogfighting: In aerial combat, afterburners can provide a significant speed and maneuverability advantage, essential for evading or intercepting enemy aircraft. Rapid Acceleration: When rapid acceleration is required, such as during evasive maneuvers or pursuit, afterburners become invaluable for military jets.

Civilian Jets vs. Military Jets

Contrary to the excitement of movies and pop culture, civilian jets do not use afterburners. Commercial aircraft are designed with fuel efficiency in mind, and the use of afterburners would be highly impractical and wasteful. Both navy and civilian jets use afterburners only when taking off, landing, or when maximum power is required for a specific maneuver. For instance, military jets like the Sukhoi SU-34 and the F-22, F-35, J-20, and Su-57 make use of afterburners during takeoffs and critical maneuvers.

Historical Context: Concorde

One of the rare cases where afterburners were utilized in a civilian aircraft is the retired Concorde. According to Wikipedia, afterburners were used during the initial stage of the aircraft's transition from subsonic to supersonic speeds. The Concorde would use afterburners to accelerate from Mach 0.95 to the supersonic range, after which the afterburners were shut down to conserve fuel. However, it is important to verify such claims with reliable sources as Wikipedia is not always entirely accurate.

Conclusion: Fuel Efficiency and Thrust Trade-off

Afterburners offer a significant boost in thrust but at a high cost of fuel consumption. Civilian and non-fighter military jets rarely, if ever, use afterburners for extended periods or during everyday operation. The design of afterburners is optimized for short-term, intense use rather than long-term continuous operation. This trade-off is a fundamental aspect of modern jet design, balancing performance with efficiency and practicality.