Propulsion System Comparisons
[276] The considerations of thrust and propulsive efficiency are by no means the whole story in comparing various propulsion systems. We must consider, for example, the thermodynamic efficiency of the engine cycle, or how efficiently the chemical energy of the fuel is converted to useful work such as driving the propeller and compressor, or accelerating the exhaust jet. The weight and size of the engine, its complexity, and its service life are other factors to be considered. Figure 67, from an NACA chart before....
...1950, compares flight engines on the basis of specific weight, frontal area (which affects drag), and specific fuel consumption.