Short-life engine

Short-life engines (also known as limited-life, expendable, or attritable engines) are a class of engines designed for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cruise missiles, and other guided weapons where the operational lifespan is significantly shorter than that of traditional manned vehicles. Unlike conventional "durable" (typically man-rated) engines designed to last for thousands of hours with regular maintenance, short-life engines prioritize high thrust-to-weight ratio and design simplicity over long-term durability and fuel efficiency. While the low production costs are usually emphasized, it might be less of a factor for some applications (e.g., strategic cruise missiles).

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