The general problem of pure jet aircraft take-off distance is indicated, and the basic reasons for the excess-thrust deficiency as compared to propeller aircraft are shown. The inherent advantages and disadvantages of several methods of short-duration thrust augmentation, such as fluid injection or rocket boosters, to alleviate the difficulties are mentioned. The afterburner concept is introduced and discussed; thrust augmentations of 45 per cent low speed and over 100 per cent high speed are shown to be feasible. A method for analyzing afterburners is presented, including the thermodynamic derivations required. An example comparative performance analysis of a hypothetical jet-propelled aircraft, with and without afterburners, shows sea-level rate-ofclimb increases of 200 per cent maximum speed increases of 10 per cent, and normal take-off distance reduction of 50 per cent with afterburning. The example concludes the discussion.