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!

[facthunter]

The RR Darts were all Centrifugal compressor type which is  essentially Immune from compressor stalling. It required 9 HP electric starter which had to spin the prop as well.  This was often barely adequate and an over temp of the turbine would melt it.  The starting fuel flow had to be preset  for the conditions with a fuel trimmer dial. You would watch the TIT (Turbine Inlet Temp) like a Hawk  and cut it IF it was rising too fast, or you would get a DCM. (Don't Come Monday).  They used Water Meth Power enhancement for nearly ALL take offs .The Later Variants 528/532, were about 1900 HP . fitted to both the Later Viscounts and the F27 Mk2.  which TAA operated to East Timor at one stage.  I did that trip about once a Month under a Qantas flight number QF1308 I think.. Nev