Single-engine turboprops have made their mark, serving in a variety of roles. Whether it is passenger transport or a humanitarian aid mission. These aircraft offer safe, comfortable, and fuel-efficient flights. This article explores some of the best single-engine aircraft.
1
Pilatus PC-12
Seating capacity: Up to 11 people
- Max cruise speed: 290 knots
- Max range: 1,803 NM
- Max altitude: 30,000 ft
- Takeoff roll: 2,485 ft
The Pilatus PC-12 is a single-engine, high-performance utility aircraft designed by Pilatus aircraft of Switzerland. The PC-12 is designed for a wide range of applications operating from short and unpaved runways. With a seating capacity of up to 11 people, the PC-12 can cruise at a speed of 290 knots.
Photo: Bradley Caslin | Shutterstock
The aircraft is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT-6A engine, producing 1,200 shaft horsepower at takeoff. According to Pilatus Aircraft,
“Building on the proven success of its predecessor, the PC-12 NGX offers pilots the latest technologies in navigation, safety, and situational awareness. With tools and features more advanced than most airliners, the PC-12 NGX raises the bar with enhanced graphical displays.”
2
Cessna Grand Caravan EX
Seating capacity: 10-14 people
- Max cruise speed: 185 knots
- Max range: 912 NM
- Useful load: 3,532 lbs
- Takeoff roll: 1,399 ft
The Cessna Grand Caravan EX is a single-engine mid-sized aircraft designed to fly a range of up to 1,000 miles. The multi-tasker aircraft is capable of delivering high-payload missions from short and rough runways while offering the simplicity of a single engine. With a seating capacity of up to 14 people, the Grand Caravan EX can cruise at a speed of 185 knots.
Photo: Textron Aviation
The aircraft is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT-6A engine, producing 867 shaft horsepower at takeoff. According to Textron Aviation,
“The Grand Caravan® EX aircraft has a reputation as a revenue generator. It carries up to 14 occupants with an increased speed and climb capability, plus a takeoff ground roll of only 1,399 ft. Its powerful Pratt & Whitney Canada engine delivers 867 horsepower for dependable payload performance and superior efficiency. Experience true value with low direct operating costs and factory support.”
3
Piper M700 Fury
Seating capacity: Six people
The Piper M700 Fury is a fast, sleek, and efficient single-engine aircraft that encompasses the latest technology and state-of-the-art safety features. With a six-seat cabin, the M700 has a maximum range of 1,862 NM and can cruise at a speed of 301 knots.
Photo: Piper Aircraft
The M700 Fury is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT-6A engine, producing 700 shaft horsepower at takeoff.
- Pratt and Whitney PT6A-52 Engine
- HALO Safety System
- Garmin’s Autoland Technology
- Garmin PlaneSync Technology
According to Piper Aircraft,
“At over $1 million less than its closest competitor, the new Piper M700 Fury transcends traditional limits, giving you more power, blistering performance and the luxury of what matters most — time.”
Related
What Do You Think Of The New Piper M700 Fury?
Piper’s new GA aircraft, the M700 Fury, is barreling towards certification, having this week received its green light for landing on unpaved runways. Piper has been a stalwart of GA aircraft for almost a century and today offers aircraft for training, personal use, and business. The M700 falls into the ‘business’ category, according to Piper, alongside the M500 and M350.
On paper, the M700 looks like a decent upgrade from the M600. Priced at $4.1 million, the M700 has an upgraded Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-52 engine and five-blade composite Hartzell propeller – this prop was offered on the M600 but only as an optional extra. Piper has also modified intakes and exhaust stacks to maximize air intake and residual thrust.
The aircraft itself is the same as the M600, both in cabin configuration and avionics. But with the more powerful engines on board, takeoff and landing distances are improved, and climb rate is around a third b
4
Daher TBM 960
Seating capacity: Six people
- Maximum range: 1,730 NM
- Maximum cruise speed: 330 knots
- Maximum payload: 1,446 lbs
- Runway length for takeoff: 2,535 ft
The Daher TBM 960 is a high-efficiency turboprop designed for comfort and fuel economy. It features advanced safety controls and a fully digital engine control system. The TBM 960 is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT-6E advanced powerplant and a five-blade Hartzell Raptor composite propeller. The M700 has a maximum range of 1,730 NM and can cruise at a speed of 330 knots.
Photo: Daher
According to TBM Aero,
“Taking maximum advantage of today’s turboprop technology, the TBM 960 provides high efficiency for more sustainability. Its digitally-controlled turboprop engine enables the pilot to use precise settings in flying with maximum efficiency. Daher’s recommended cruise setting for the TBM 960 lowers fuel consumption to 57 U.S. gallons per hour at a fast cruise speed of 308 kts.”
5
Epic E1000
Seating capacity: Six people
- Max cruise speed: 333 knots
- Max operating altitude: 34,000 ft
- Rate of climb: 4,000 fpm
- Max range: 1,560 NM
- Useful load: 2,860 lbs
- Max full fuel payload: 1,100 lbs
The Epic E1000 is a six-seat all-composite Epic airframe designed for ultimate comfort, fuel efficiency, and speed. Cruising at up to 330 knots, the E1000 has a climb-out rate of up to 4,000 feet/minute.
The Epic E1000 is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT-6A turbojet engine capable of producing 1,200 horsepower at takeoff. It has a maximum range of 1,560 NM and can fly at a maximum altitude of 34,000 ft.
According to Epic Aircraft,
“Delivering speeds faster than any single-engine turboprop on the market. And performance that rivals most business jets, without jet-class costs. In fact, the E1000 GX is the only aircraft that flies over 300 knots on less than 50 gallons per hour. Fast and fuel efficient.”