[wbrocklebank]

One other surprising thing about turbofans is that the majority of their thrust is produced by the huge main fans (the blades which are visible as you stand and look at the front of the engine) simply dragging the aircraft through the air as with a turbo-prop (or boat prop). The ultra-high pressure compression and burning stage (being discussed here) produces only 30-45% of direct thrust but clearly powers the spinning of the large components.

My father-in-law started at RR as a graduate trainee and left 40+ years later as its' longest serving member of staff, CEO and Chairman. he took me on tours of these plants when I first met my wife which was an unbelievable treat.