turbines - turbo props

[johnm]

The first practicable aeroplane - powered by a turboprop - what was it and what date ?

 

Thanks

 

(for instance they were designing the Vickers Viscount about 1945 - power supposed to be a turbo prop ............... first flew about 1948 ?)

[onetrack]

John, it depends on the interpretation of "practicable". I define "practicable" as being an idea or principle that is produced in a working model. Others may view the definition of "practicable" as successful commercial production of the principle.

 

IMO, the first practicable turboprop was the Gloster Meteor EE227, which first flew on 20/09/1945. However, the EE227 was a test bed, not intended for production. The first successful commercial turboprop was the Vickers Viscount, which first flew on 16/07/1948 - however, the Viscount didn't receive full type certification until 27/07/1950.

[danny_galaga]

That Meteor actually looks pretty cool as a turboprop!