How jet engines work (turbofan animation) - YouTube Jun 11, 2013Jet engines move the airplane forward with a great force that is produced by a tremendous thrust and causes the plane to fly very fast. All jet engines, which are also called gas turbines, work on Jet engine - Wikipedia A jet engine is a type of reaction engine discharging a fast-moving jet that generates thrust by jet propulsion. While this broad definition can include rocket, water jet, and hybrid propulsion, the term "jet engine" typically refers to an airbreathing jet engine such as a turbojet, turbofan, ramjet, or pulse jet.