Modernization of Business Jets: Are Any Still Powered by Turbojet Engines?

In the world of business aviation, turbine-powered jets have long dominated the skies. However, the earlier generation of business jets, particularly those from the 1960s and 1970s, were often equipped with turbojet engines. These include iconic models like the Executive JetStar and Sabreliner, powered by the J60, as well as the Aero Commander, which utilized the GE CJ610 engine. Despite the advancements in technology and the increasing focus on fuel efficiency, a few questions remain: are any of these classic turbojet-powered business jets still in operation today? When was the last one made, and have they all been retired?

The Current Status of Turbojet-Powered Business Jets

While many early business jets powered by turbojet engines have indeed been retired, several factors indicate that they haven’t all been scrapped. Fuel efficiency has always been a critical operating cost, even during the recent unprecedented reductions in fuel prices. Thus, older business jets are often retrofitted with modern, fuel-efficient, and low-maintenance turbofan engines to enhance their operational viability.

For instance, the US Air Force (USAF) still uses Boeing 707 airframes in various roles and has most of them refitted with CFM56 turbofans. This transformation highlights the ongoing modernization of these aircraft to meet contemporary standards of efficiency and performance. The widespread adoption of turbofans in business aviation is a testament to the fuel efficiency they offer, making them a preferable choice for economic and environmental reasons.

The Early Adoption of Turbofans

Colonel Elman’s point about the adoption of turbofans in business aviation is well-taken. The earliest business jets, such as the Learjet and Aero Commander, were initially equipped with turbojet engines derived from military engines. Specifically, the GE CJ610, which was part of the J85 series, was extensively used. This transition was driven by economic considerations, similar to the shift made by commercial airlines.

Today, it would be challenging to find a single business jet design that still relies on these older-school powerplants. The primary advantage of turbofans over turbojets for business jets is their enhanced fuel efficiency, allowing for more miles per gallon. This efficiency has made turbofans the preferred powerplant for the majority of modern business jets.

Does Any Business Jet Still Use a Turbojet?

As of now, off the top of my head, it’s difficult to name a current business jet that utilizes a turbojet engine. However, a few possibilities exist. Some early business jets might have been modified to use more modern turbofan engines, or they might still operate with the original turbojet models. Alternatively, some of these older models might have been retired and no longer in operation.

Regardless, the general trend in the business aviation sector is a move towards turbofan technology. This move is driven by the significant fuel efficiency gains offered by turbofans, which are crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in a constantly evolving market.

Conclusion: The primary advantage of turbofan engines in the context of business aviation is their fuel efficiency, specifically the increased miles per gallon they offer. While there might still be some vestiges of early turbojet-powered business jets, the modern trend is clearly towards turbofan technology.