An
afterburner (or a
reheat) is an additional component present on some
jet engines, mostly
military supersonic aircraft. Its purpose is to provide an increase in
thrust, usually for
supersonic flight, takeoff and for
combat situations. Afterburning is achieved by injecting additional
fuel into the jet pipe downstream of (i.e.
after) the
turbine. The advantage of afterburning is significantly increased thrust; the disadvantage is its very high fuel consumption and inefficiency, though this is often regarded as acceptable for the short periods during which it is usually used.