Identify a common type of aircraft engine.

A turbofan engine is indeed a common type of aircraft engine, widely used in commercial aviation. This engine operates on the principle of bypassing a significant amount of air around the engine core while still producing thrust through jet propulsion. The design consists of a large fan at the front that draws in air; a portion of this air is directed through the engine core where it is compressed, mixed with fuel, and ignited, while the remaining air bypasses the core, providing additional thrust without the need for combustion.

Turbofan engines are favored for their efficiency, especially at subsonic speeds, making them suitable for a variety of aircraft, including passenger jets and cargo planes. They offer a good balance of power and fuel efficiency, resulting in quieter operations compared to other engine types, such as turbojet engines.

The importance of understanding the turbofan engine lies in its wide application in modern aviation, leading to significant advancements in aerodynamics and fuel consumption that have made air travel more accessible and economical.