Editing Afterburner (section)

==Limitations==
[[File:Phantom FG1 of 892 NAS is launched from USS Independence (CV-62), November 1975.jpg|thumb|An [[McDonnell Douglas Phantom in UK service|F-4K Phantom]] of the [[Royal Navy]] on a catapult aboard an aircraft carrier deploys full afterburner prior to launch]]
Due to their high fuel consumption, afterburners are only used for short-duration, high-thrust requirements. These include heavy-weight or short-runway take-offs, assisting catapult launches from [[aircraft carrier]]s, and during [[Aerial combat|air combat]]. A notable exception is the [[Pratt & Whitney J58]] engine used in the [[SR-71 Blackbird]] which used its afterburner for prolonged periods and was refueled in-flight as part of every reconnaissance mission.

An afterburner has a limited life to match its intermittent use. The J58 was an exception with a continuous rating. This was achieved with [[thermal barrier]] coatings on the liner and flame holders<ref>https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19840004244.pdf, p.5</ref> and by cooling the liner and nozzle with compressor bleed air<ref>http://roadrunnersinternationale.com/pw_tales.htm, p.3</ref> instead of turbine exhaust gas.