Why use turbofan engines for high altitude flight?

Asked May 13 '19 at 12:14

Active May 13 '19 at 13:07

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I noticed that a lot of high altitude aircraft have turbofans for engines. So I researched and figured out that turboprop engines are more efficient. But most high altitude aircraft like the Global Hawk and U-2 have turbofan engines, with some exceptions like crazy long-endurance solar-powered aircrafts.

Is this because the low density is a problem for turboprops? or why?

edited May 13 '19 at 13:07

AEhere supports Monica

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asked May 13 '19 at 12:14

Nyamnyam Hong

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Possible duplicate of Why do jet engines get better fuel efficiency at high altitudes? – Bianfable May 13 '19 at 12:16
Speed is part of the reason, see here: Which engine is more efficient between turboprop vs jet? So you may want to clarify the question by stating the turboprop planes you've come across, that is if the linked post(s) doesn't answer your question. – May 13 '19 at 12:28

Why use turbofan engines for high altitude flight?

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