The Wright Brothers' 1903 airplane was powered by a 12-horsepower gasoline engine. This engine weighed 180 pounds and had a displacement of 183 cubic inches. By contrast, a modern aircraft engine, such as the General Electric GE90-115B, produces over 115,000 pounds of thrust and weighs only 15,400 pounds. This engine has a displacement of 104,500 cubic inches.
In addition to being more powerful and efficient, modern aircraft engines are also much more reliable than their early counterparts. This is due to advances in materials science, engineering, and manufacturing techniques. As a result, modern airplanes are able to fly longer distances, carry more passengers and cargo, and operate more safely than ever before.