A turboshaft is a type of gas turbine engine designed to produce mechanical power rather than thrust. It operates by burning fuel to create hot gases that spin a turbine, which in turn drives a shaft connected to various machinery. This makes turboshafts ideal for applications like helicopters and industrial power generation. In helicopters, turboshaft engines provide the necessary power to turn the rotor blades, enabling flight. They are also used in some marine vessels and power plants. The efficiency and compact design of turboshaft engines make them a popular choice in many engineering fields, including aerospace and energy.