Single Engine Turboprops

The single-engine turboprop market has grown considerably in recent years as aircraft buyers looking to step up from piston models realising they can achieve a lot of utility and performance from these little workhorses of the skies

While the TBM series and Pilatus PC-12NG are leaders in their respective classes, the Kodiak continues to make a dent in the market along with the Cessna Grand Caravan EX and Piper M Class.

Here World Airnews presents a broad survey of the best of these models and while every attempt has been made to ensure that the information presented is accurate, the magazine cannot be held liable for any corrections at the time of going to press.

The survey which is by no means all encompassing instead focuses on the most tried and tested well known models and includes the specifications. But due to space constraints only mentions those under the following headings: dimensions, weight, performance, cabin interior and baggage capacity. For further information readers should go to the websites of each of the manufacturers.

Enjoy reading. If you have any comments please send us an email to info@airnews.co.za

 

 

THE CESSNA CARAVAN – THE ORIGINAL TRAIL BLAZER

The Cessna 208 Caravan is a single-engine ten or fourteen seat light turboprop utility aircraft produced by the US-American manufacturer Cessna Aircraft Company, today a brand of Textron Aviation.

It is known for its rugged utility and flexibility. With its powerful turboprop engine, the Caravan aircraft delivers the rare combination of high performance, low operating costs and ability to adapt to a wide variety of missions.

The powerful, efficient, dependable 675-horsepower PT6A-114A turbine engine gives the Caravan turboprop its exceptional payload capabilities.

Operators in the world’s most demanding environments immediately adopted the rugged, dependable turboprop and have been rewarded with unparalleled dispatch reliability. On top of more than 30 years of proven capability comes even greater value with the Caravan turboprop’s limited warranties, parts availability and lower direct operating costs.

There is a spacious cockpit powered by the latest technology – Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite. Managing the flight deck has never been easier with an improved graphical interface, more powerful hardware, higher-resolution displays and added functionality for increased situational awareness.

 

Specifications

DIMENSIONS

Length    37 ft 7 in (11.46 m)

Height    14 ft 11 in (4.55 m)

Wingspan              52 ft 1 in (15.88 m)

WEIGHTS

Maximum Ramp Weight    8,035 lb (3,645 kg)

Maximum Takeoff Weight 8,000 lb (3,629 kg)

Maximum Landing Weight 7,800 lb (3,538 kg)

PERFORMANCE

Maximum Cruise Speed     186 ktas (344 km/h)

Maximum Range  1,070 nm (1,982 km)

Takeoff Distance  2,055 ft (626 m)

Takeoff Ground Roll            1,160 ft (354 m)

Landing Distance  1,625 ft (495 m)

Landing Ground Roll            715 ft (218 m)

Maximum Operating Altitude           25,000 ft (7,620 m)

Maximum Climb Rate         1,234 fpm (376 mpm)

CABIN INTERIOR

Height    54 in (1.37 m)

Width     64 in (1.63 m)

Length    17 ft 4 in (5.28 m)

Maximum Occupants          10 – 14

BAGGAGE CAPACITY

Weight   325 lb (147 kg)

Volume  31.5 cu ft (0.89 cu m)

 

 

CESSNA GRAND CARAVAN EX – THE ULTIMATE UTILITY VEHICLE

The Cessna Grand Caravan Ex aircraft is known for its dependable and efficient performance by regional airlines, charter operators and cargo carriers worldwide. The Grand Caravan EX turboprop was engineered for challenging missions, high payloads and short, rough runways while delivering single-engine economy and

simplicity.

This single engine turbo prop has a reputation as a revenue-generator. It can carry 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. Operators can experience true value with low direct operating costs, limited warranties and a wide breadth of parts available on demand. It comes with the same standard avionics as the Cessna Caravan with opportunities

to upgrade

 

Specifications

DIMENSIONS

Length    41 ft 7 in (12.67 m)

Height    15 ft 5 in (4.70 m)

Wingspan              52 ft 1 in (15.88 m)

Wing Area             279 sq ft (25.96 sq m)

WEIGHTS

Maximum Ramp Weight    8,842 lb (4,011 kg)

Maximum Takeoff Weight 8,807 lb (3,995 kg)

Maximum Landing Weight 8,500 lb (3,856 kg)

PERFORMANCE

Maximum Cruise Speed     185 ktas (343 km/h)

Maximum Range  912 nm (1,689 km)

Takeoff Distance  2,160 ft (658 m)

Takeoff Ground Roll            1,399 ft (426 m)

Landing Distance  1,836 ft (560 m)

Landing Ground Roll            1,004 ft (306 m)

Maximum Operating Altitude           25,000 ft (7,620 m)

Maximum Climb Rate         1,275 fpm (389 mpm)

CABIN INTERIOR

Height    54 in (1.37 m)

Width     64 in (1.63 m)

Length    21 ft 4 in (6.50 m)

Maximum Occupants          10 – 14

BAGGAGE CAPACITY

Weight   1,410 lb (640 kg)

Volume  143 cu ft (4.05 cu m)

 

 

Daher TBM 910

The TBM 910 airframe design has several fail-safe structural design techniques, including the use of multiple load paths and a crack-stopper band to maximise sub system reliability/durability and structural life. The TBM 910 aircraft is essentially identical to that of the TBM 850 and 700 models. Airframe designers carefully chose a variety of aluminium alloys, high strength steel (including titanium). However TBM 910 uses more advanced composite materials such as carbon fibre for its new items (winglets, new cowlings, etc.) to maximise structural strength and durability while minimizing aircraft weight and both acquisition and life-cycle support costs.

 

Specifications

DIMENSIONS

Wingspan 42.10 ft. 12.833 m.

Height 14.29 ft. 4.355 m.

Length 35.22 ft. 10.736 m.

WEIGHTS

Maximum ramp weight (MRW) 7,430 lb. 3,370 kg.

Maximum takeoff weight 7,394 lb. 3,354 kg.

Maximum zero fuel weight 6,032 lb. 2,736 kg.

PERFORMANCE

Max range 1,730 nm

Max cruise speed 330 kts at at 28,000 ft.

Max passengers 6 persons

Max payload 1,400 lbs

Take off field length 2,380 ft

Time-to climb to 31,000 ft. 18 min. 45 sec

Certified ceiling 31,000 ft. 9,449 m.

CABIN INTERIORS

Maximum cabin width 3 ft. 11.64 in. 1.21 m.

Maximum cabin length 13 ft. 3.45 in. 4.05 m.

Maximum cabin height 4 ft. 1.22 m.

Maximum volume in cabin 123 cu. ft. 3.5 cu. m.

BAGGAGE CAPACITY

Weight 330 lb. 150 kg.

Volume 30¼ cu. ft. 0.989 cu. m.

 

DAHER TBM 940 – FIRST WITH FULL AUTO PILOT

The TBM 940 is the first turboprop equipped in the world with full auto-pilot integration.

The auto throttle integrated system automates the engine power control and monitoring. In addition to an innovative single lever control decreasing the workload for the pilot as it allows new Auto Pilot modes especially in speed control. The auto throttle improves performance, safety and protects the engine.

It has an e-co pilot function designed to ease a pilot’s workload with AOA (Angle of attack) indicator, ESP/USP (Enhanced Safety Protection/Under Speed Protection) systems, EDM (Emergency Descent Mode) on your autopilot. A smart stick shaker warns you in the event you fly outside the flight envelope. The auto throttle links to the autopilot.

The Daher TBM940 airframe design incorporates a variety of aluminium and steel alloys, titanium as well as advanced composite materials. This airframe has structural strength and durability at the lowest possible weight. From its inception, the TBM aircraft family employed a fail-safe airframe design, including the use of multiple load paths, a crack-stopper band, and an optimized number of access panels to maximize structural life and sub-system reliability, while also minimizing repair-cycle times. All TBM versions are fully certified.

Meanwhile Daher has announced technical details for its TBM 940 in the 2020 version, which is equipped with HomeSafe – an emergency system that automatically brings the airplane to a runway touchdown if the pilot becomes incapacitated.

The system is activated manually by an easily recognizable orange button atop the cockpit instrument panel. Its software integrates weather and terrain information to select the best airport for landing, taking into account fuel range and runway length.

HomeSafe is based on Garmin’s Emergency Autoland system – available as a part of the G3000 integrated flight deck – and has been under development for the TBM since 2017 by the avionics engineering office at Daher’s aircraft division.

Daher has submitted HomeSafe to European and US aviation authorities for a certification expected soon.

 

Specifications

DIMENSIONS

Wingspan 42.10 ft. 12.833 m.

Height 14.29 ft. 4.355 m.

Length 35.22 ft. 10.736 m.

WEIGHTS

Maximum ramp weight (MRW) 7,430 lb. 3,370 kg.

Maximum takeoff weight 7,394 lb. 3,354 kg.

Maximum zero fuel weight 6,032 lb. 2,736 kg.

PERFORMANCE

Maximum cruise speed at long-range settings 252 KTAS 467 km/h

Maximum cruise speed at 28,000 ft. 330 KTAS 611 km/h

Time-to climb to 31,000 ft 18 min. 45 sec

Certified ceiling 31,000 ft. 9,449 m.

CABIN INTERIORS

Maximum cabin width 3 ft. 11.64 in. 1.21 m.

Maximum cabin length 13 ft. 3.45 in. 4.05 m.

Maximum cabin height 4 ft. 1.22 m.

Maximum volume in cabin 123 cu. ft. 3.5 cu. m.

BAGGAGE CAPACITY

Maximum luggage in storage areas (4 seats) 507 lb. 230 kg.

Maximum luggage in storage areas (6 seats) 330 lb. 150 kg.

Maximum luggage volume (large net) 30.25 cu. ft. 0.989 cu. m.

 

EPIC E1000

The E1000 is based on Epic’s experimental LT model, which was introduced in 2005 through an owner-assist build programme. The six-seat, all-carbon-fibre E1000 is powered by the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-67A engine and equipped with the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite. It has a top speed of 325 knots, range of 1650 NM and full fuel payload of 1100 pounds.

Last year it received its FAA type certification.

While this little aircraft started out as kit build in 2009 the company filed for bankruptcy and since 2012, the US-based remains were taken over by Russian maintenance, repair, and overhaul company called Engineering LLC. The first E1000 prototype flew in 2015, the second in January 2018 and since then the company seems to be thriving.

On the surface the E1000 beats the TBM 930, its nearest competitor, in almost every category except for the maximum cruise speed (the TBM is five knots faster). The E1000 is said to deliver fuel burns of 60 gallons per hour at cruise speeds of 300 knots down low, and 40 gallons per hour at 300 knots up at 34,000 feet. Time to climb to maximum altitude is just 15 minutes. Full fuel payload should be 1,100 pounds with a range of at least 1,650 nautical miles, according to the company. This aircraft is projected to be a short-field champ, needing just 1,600 feet of runway for takeoff.

 

Specifications

dimensions

Length 35 ft 10 in

Wingspan 43 ft

Height 12 ft 6 in

weights

Max takeoff weight (mtow) 8,000 lbs

Max payload with full fuel 1,100 lbs

Empty weight 4,600 lbs

performance

Maximum cruise speed at long range speed 325 ktas

Maximum ceiling 34,000 ft

Climb rate 4,000 fpm

Max cruise range 1,385 nm

Max eco cruise range 1,650 nm

Eco cruise 265 ktas

Max ceiling 34,000 ft

Time to climb 15 min. to 34,000 ft

Best rate of climb 4,000 feet per minute

Cabin interiors

Cabin length 15 ft

Cabin width 4 ft 7 in

Cabin height 4 ft 11 in

baggage capacity

N/A

 

 

 

 

THE EA-500 EXTRA

The EA-500 is a single-engine, six-seat light utility aircraft designed and being developed by Germany-based Extra Flugzeugbau.It is an advanced version of its forerunner, the EA-400 six-seat piston-engine aircraft.

With full fuel and at 75 percent power the EA-500 has an initial rate of climb of 2,000 feet per minute and a takeoff roll of less than 1,000 feet. The optimum cruise level is FL 180 where, with a TAS of 230-240 knots, operators will see 23 gallons per hour fuel flow. The range with 45-minute reserve will be close to 1,700 nm.

The range is 2,963km and the service ceiling is 7,620m. The maximum endurance of the EA-500 is 4.2 hours. The take-off and landing distances are 381m and 280m respectively.

The aircraft is fitted with an electric elevator trim, dual cockpit dome lights, multiple LED eyebrow flood lights, ice detection lights, wing-mounted recognition lights, navigation and strobe lights, electric fuel pumps and low-fuel sensors.

The EA-500 is proving to be strong competition for the likes of other single-engine turboprops such as the Cessna Grand Caravan, Piper Meridian and the Raytheon King Air C90B.

 

 

Specifications

DIMENSIONS

Height:   11 ft. 2 in.

Wingspan: 31 ft

Length: (ft.) 33.2

WEIGHTS

Max takeoff weight (lbs.):  4696

Empty weight, std. (lbs.): 3091

PERFORMANCE

Max cruise speed (kts.): 226

Fuel consumption, max cruise (gph): 31

Best rate of climb, SL (fpm):              1335

Max certified altitude (ft.): 25,000

Takeoff ground roll (ft.): 1250

Takeoff over 50 ft. (ft.):      2050

Landing ground roll (ft.):    917

Landing over 50 ft. (ft.):      2050

CABIN INTERIORS

Cabin width (in.): 55

Cabin height (in.): 49

BAGGAGE CAPACITY

Baggage (lbs.): 198

 

 

KODIAK AIRCRAFT (THE QUEST KODIAK 100)

Daher CEO Didier Kayat announced last year October that the Quest Kodiak was now, officially, a Daher product. The only immediate change was a name change – to Kodiak Aircraft. The company now has aircraft production assembly lines on both sides of the Atlantic. The Kodiak 100 is a 10-seat, unpressurised, entry-level aircraft in the single-engine turboprop category. Originally created for humanitarian missions in developing countries, the Kodiak 100 is an agile and robust aircraft, capable of operating on uneven and ultra-short runways, while offering optimal safety. Certified in 67 countries, the Kodiak 100 is used worldwide by air-taxi, recreational and leisure operators, along with businesses, pilot-owners and humanitarian organizations.

Last year the company delivered its first to a Scandinavian customer hot on the heels after an announcement Dimor Aerospace, a German-owned company that owns Waco Aircraft, wanted three Kodiaks equipped for humanitarian aid operations along the Amazon in Brazil.

Two of those turboprop singles were to be fitted with Aerocet 6650 composite floats. Based in Sandpoint, Idaho in the US, Quest first brought the utility aircraft to market in December 2007 to offer a rugged, turbine STOL option.

Since then, Quest has obtained validations in more than 55 countries, and more than 270 aircraft are in operation for a range of public, private, business, and humanitarian applications.

 

Specifications

 

DIMENSIONS

Length: 34’2″ (10.42 m)

Wingspan: 45 ft (13.7 m)

Height: 15’3″ (4.65 m)

Wing area: 240 ft2 (22.3 m2)

WEIGHTS

Empty weight: 3,770 lb (1,710 kg)

Useful load: 3,535 lb (1,603 kg)

Max. takeoff weight: 7,255 lb (3,290 kg)

Max Landing Weight: 6690 Lb

Payload W/Full Fuel: 1220 Lb

Max Payload: 2515 Lb

PERFORMANCE

Max speed 183 KTAS

Extended Range 1132 NM

Fuel economy 48 GPH

Climb Rate 1371 FPM

Takeoff 934 FT

Useful Load 3535 LBS

Optional cargo pod for additional convenient storage.

Easily adapts to float plane use without structural upgrades.

CABIN INTERIORS

Cabin Volume: 248 cu ft

BAGGAGE CAPACITY

Internal Baggage: 38 cu ft

 

MAHINDRA AIRVAN 10

Mahindra’s Airvan 10 follows in the footsteps of the piston engine 8-seat Airvan 8, and the turbocharged version of the same aircraft, which now operates in 29 countries, according to a company statement.

Australia-based GippsAero, a unit of Mahindra Aerospace, makes the Airvan 10 aircraft.

This utility turboprop is well suited in parts of the world where avgas is hard or impossible to come by. It is targeted as a competitor to pricier turboprops, namely the Cessna Caravan and Quest Kodiak, with performance adequate to get many of the same jobs done.

The Rolls-Royce M250-powered model, boasting a useful load of 2,300 pounds (1,400-pound full-fuel payload) and cruise speed of 145 ktas, is a follow-on to the piston-powered eight-seat Airvan 8.

 

Specifications

DIMENSIONS

Wingspan              12.4 m (40 ft 9 in)

Length    10.2 m (33 ft 5 in)

Height    3.86 m (12 ft 8 in)

WEIGHTS

Maximum Useful Load       1,022 kg (2,250 lb)

Optional Cargo Pod Capacity             300 kg (660 lb)

 

PERFORMANCE

Typical Cruise Speed           280 km/h (150 KTAS)

Range at Typical Cruise      700 nm (w/1hr 1FR reserve)

Certified Ceiling   6,096 m (20,000 ft)

Engine Rolls Royce Model  M250-B17F/2

Propeller Hartzell 3-Blade – HC-D3F-7H / D9511F-11

CABIN INTERIORS

Cabin Height         1.1 – 1.2m (45 – 47 in)

Cabin Width          1.3 m (50 in)

Cabin Door            1.27 m (49 in)

BAGGAGE CAPACITY

N/A

 

 

Pilatus PC-12 NG

PUT IN SEPARATE BOX

 

PIPER M500

The M500 combines jet-fuelled performance, with state-of-the-art technology and safety features, and stylish, elegant luxury.  The tried-and-true PT6A-42A turbine engine with 500 SHP and the impressive Garmin G1000 NXi Avionics Suite with the GFC 700 Autopilot come together to set a new standard for capability and value. Long-range and short-range missions alike are easily mastered, while you and your passengers soar high above weather and traffic. The M500 sets the new standard in its class for efficient operations, value and freedom

The finest interior in its class, the M500 boasts premium leather, carpet and wood/metal trim. Creature comforts abound with the exclusive Piper air-stair door, USB charging ports, lighting controls, beverage holders, work table, and seat controls for each passenger.

 

Specifications

DIMENSIONS

Wingspan: 43.0 ft | 13.1 m

Length: 29.6 ft | 9.0 m

Height: 11.3 ft | 3.4 m

WEIGHTS

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 5,092 lb | 2,310 kg

Maximum Ramp Weight: 5,134 lb | 2,329 kg

Standard Equipped Weight 3,436 lb | 1,559 kg

Standard Useful Load: 1,698 lb | 770 kg

PERFORMANCE

Max Range 1,000 nm 1,852 km

Takeoff Distance (Over 50’ Obstacle) 2,438 ft 743 m

Landing Distance (Over 50’ Obstacle) 2,110 ft 643 m

Max Approved Altitude 30,000 ft | 9,144 m 28,000 ft | 8,534 m (for RVSM airspace)

Max Cruise Speed 260 ktas 482 km/hr

Max Cabin Differential 5.5 psi

CABIN INTERIORS

Cabin length | 12 ft 4 in

Cabin width | 4 ft 2 in

Cabin height | 3 ft 11 in

BAGGAGE CAPACITY

Baggage capacity | 100 lb, 20 cu ft

 

 

PIPER M600

Although the M600 weighs considerably more than its predecessor, it gives up no cruise speed to its lighter cousin. The M600 is expected to have a maximum cruise speed of 260 knots true airspeed, on par with the M500. The speed comes in part from a 100-shaft-horsepower boost, to 600, for the Pratt & Whitney PT6A-42A. Also contributing are that clean wing, and moving the radar antenna from an under-wing pod to a pod embedded in the leading edge- worth about 3 knots, according to the Piper test pilots.

In addition, the M600 carries a VMO of 250 knots indicated airspeed, compared to just 188 for the M500. The higher VMO means M600 pilots can descend more quickly, saving fuel by staying high longer and reducing block times.

Besides the wing and slightly wider gear track, the M600 sets itself apart – from the M500 – through the use of the latest in cockpit technology. The M600 is the first single-engine turboprop to use the Garmin G3000 cockpit, which includes a pair of touch-screen controls to manage the PFDs and MFD. The three 12-inch screens create an all-new, clean panel with a minimalist feel, even though its capabilities are tremendous. To the left of the pilot’s PFD, an Aspen EFD1000 with an internal battery serves as emergency backup, eliminating the need for any mechanical instruments. In addition, all of the placards are now backlit, improving night operations.

 

The G3000 incorporates an automatic digital pressurisation controller, meaning the pilot need only set the destination’s field elevation; the system does the rest. Taking note of the recent spate of accidents seemingly related to pressurisation and hypoxia problems, the G3000 includes a hypoxia recognition system. If the pilot hasn’t interacted with the avionics in some way for a period of time, or if the cabin has climbed to an unsafe altitude, the GFC700 flight control system will descend the airplane to a safe, breathable altitude.

In a further attempt to improve safety, Piper and Garmin worked together to leverage other capabilities of the GFC700, including ESP – Electronic Stability and Protection; USP- Underspeed Protection; LVL – Level Mode; and GA – Go Around.

ESP automatically nudges the airplane back closer to the centre of the flight envelope when it strays with the autopilot off – the pilot feels higher resistance as the airplane gets closer to departing controlled flight. USP causes the nose to pitch down, preventing a stall. LVL allows the pilot to return the airplane to straight-and-level flight with the touch of a button.

 

Specifications

 

DIMENSIONS

Length 29 ft 10 in

Height 11 ft 4 in

Wingspan 43 ft 2 in

WEIGHTS

Max ramp weight 6,050 lb

Standard useful load 2,400 lb

Payload w/full fuel 658 lb

Max takeoff weight 6,000 lb

Fuel capacity, std 260 gal

PERFORMANCE

Takeoff distance over 50-ft obstacle | 2,350 ft

Cruise speed/range (NBAA range w/ IFR reserves) | 250 kt/1,200 nm

(fuel consumption) @ Max continuous power 28,000 ft | 261 pph/39 gph

Max operating altitude 30,000 ft (28,000 ft in RVSM airspace)

Service ceiling 30,000 ft

Landing distance over 50-ft obstacle 2,125 ft

CABIN INTERIORS

Cabin length 12 ft 4 in

Cabin width 4 ft 2 in

Cabin height 3 ft 11 in

BAGGAGE CAPACITY

Baggage capacity 100 lb, 20 cu ft