What does the specific range (jet airplane) refer to?

The specific range for a jet airplane is defined as the distance traveled per unit of fuel consumed, which mathematically translates to the number of nautical miles flown per unit mass of fuel. This concept is crucial in assessing the efficiency of an aircraft in terms of how far it can go with a given amount of fuel. By expressing range relative to fuel consumption, pilots and flight planners can make informed decisions about fuel allocation and optimization of flight profiles.

To clarify the context, the first choice refers to a calculation involving both distance and fuel consumption but doesn't accurately reflect the essence of specific range, which focuses solely on the distance per unit fuel. The third choice describes a relationship regarding fuel flow and true airspeed but does not adequately summarize the concept of specific range. Lastly, the fourth choice focuses on the relationship between fuel consumption and thrust but diverges from the definition of specific range, which is distinct from thrust-related calculations.