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Q:

Why do newer, bigger passenger planes have two engines, while older planes have four engines?

A:

Newer engines are able to produce more thrust than older ones. Older airplanes, such as a Boeing 747, have about four jet engines, each with the capacity to produce more than 18,000 kilograms (40,000 pounds) of thrust. Newer Boeing jet engines have the capacity to produce about 31,000 kg (70,000 pounds) of thrust for each jet engine. The more thrust that each jet engine can produce, the fewer jet engines the airplane is required to have. 

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