Turboprop, Propeller Aircraft, Group Travel, Economical

One of the lightest aircraft combining the use of twin propellers and turbine engines. Ideal for short to mid-range flights, Turbo Props offer greater fuel efficiency so they work out to be less expensive than other aircraft. Turbo Props fall into two categories, executive turbo props and Commuter turboprops. On average Turbo props have the capacity to transport groups of up to 8 passengers over a thousand miles.

Turboprop Aircraft
Turboprop aircraft are smaller than Light Jets and other traditional aircraft and can carry between 5 to 68 passengers. One of the lightest aircraft combining the use of twin propellers and turbine engines, they are ideal for short to mid range flights, Turboprops offer greater fuel efficiency so they work out to be less expensive than other aircraft. Turboprop cabins can be easily changed from passenger to cargo configurations inside 30 minutes proving their size is not a hindrance on their versatility. However no lavatories, stand-up room or flight attendants are available for passengers.

These aircraft are becoming more popular due to their flexibility and low fuel costs; they can also fly in and out of small airports and airfields with rough runways that cannot be accessibly by larger aircraft. The propellers are able to reverse pitch that enables the aircraft to slow down so they can land on runway lengths between 2,000 and 2,400ft. With their adaptability to many environments, turboprops are perfect for a wide range of missions including standard, cargo, executive, amphibious and Arctic environments. Turboprops fall into two categories, executive turboprops and commuter turboprops. On average Turboprops have the capacity to transport groups of up to 8 passengers over a thousand miles.

There are many types of Turboprop Aircraft available including the Embraer 121 Xingu manufactured by Embraer. The 121 Xingu is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-135 turboprop engines with 750hp each and has a maximum speed of 466 km/h with a maximum altitude of 28,000ft. This aircraft can seat 8 or 9 passengers.

A larger Commuter Turboprop aircraft is the BAe Jetstream 32/ 41 manufactured by British Aerospace. The Allied Signal TPE331 consists of 14 engines produce 1,650hp and are mounted in nacelles with increased ground clearance. The cabin can seat 29 passengers in a two-by-one configuration. The Jetstream 41 can travel up to 1,433 km (774 nm), with a maximum speed of 546 km/h and altitude of 26,000ft.

ATR (Avions de Transport Régional) have built a Commuter Turboprop aircraft known as the ATR 72. Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127F producing 2,475hp each, the ATR 72 has a cruise speed of 511 km/h and can fly a distance of 1,324 km with a maximum altitude of 25,000 ft. The cabin can seat between 68 to 74 passengers.

Typical Executive Turbo Prop Specifications:

• Passengers: 8
  
• Stand-up throughout: No
  
• Enclosed lavatories: Yes
  
• Max speed (km/h): 541
  
• Max range (km): 2735
  
• Entertainment centers: No
  
• Flight attendants: No
  
• Crew: 2
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Typical Commuter Turbo Prop Features:

• Passengers Up to to 68
  
• Stand-up throughout Yes
  
• Enclosed lavatories Yes
  
• Max speed (km/h) 502
  
• Max range (km) 1146
  
• Entertainment centers No
  
• Flight attendants Yes
  
• Crew 2