The Most Reliable Turboprop Engine, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the turboprop engine you think is the most reliable!

Updated on Apr 26, 2024 06:56

In the world of aviation, the reliability of a turboprop engine can mean the difference between a safe, efficient flight and one fraught with complications. Pilots and airlines depend heavily on the performance of these engines to ensure safety, minimize downtime, and control operational costs. Choosing the right engine impacts not only the flight experience but also long-term financial implications for operators. By casting your vote on the most reliable turboprop engine, you contribute valuable insights from your experiences, helping to shape a comprehensive ranking that aids others in making informed decisions. This dynamic ranking adjusts with each new vote, reflecting real-time user assessments and preferences. Whether you're an aviation professional, enthusiast, or someone involved in aircraft maintenance, your input is crucial in highlighting the best in turboprop technology.

What Is the Most Reliable Turboprop Engine?

1

57
votes
lmnop88a · CC BY 2.0

Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6

Pratt & Whitney Canada

It's a versatile and powerful engine with over 50 years of proven reliability.
The Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 is a highly regarded turboprop engine widely used in various aircraft applications. It is known for its exceptional reliability, performance, and versatility.

Type: Turboprop engine

First produced: 1963

Power output: 500 to 2,000 shaft horsepower

Weight: Approximately 275 to 800 lbs (depending on the variant)

Number of compressor stages: 1 centrifugal and 4 axial stages
2

26
votes
General Electric CT7

General Electric Aviation

It's a popular engine for regional airliners, military transport planes, and helicopters, known for its fuel efficiency and ruggedness.
The General Electric CT7 is a widely used turboprop engine that was developed by General Electric Aviation. It is known for its exceptional reliability, performance, and versatility. The engine has been used in various aircraft applications including regional airliners, military transport aircraft, and helicopters.

Power Output: 2,000 to 3,700 shaft horsepower

Length: 84 in (2.13 m)

Diameter: 30 in (0.76 m)

Weight: 1,470 to 1,685 lbs (667 to 764 kg)

Compression Ratio: 16.5:1
3

25
votes
Greg Goebel · CC BY-SA 2.0

Honeywell TPE331

Honeywell Aerospace

It's a workhorse engine that powers a wide range of aircraft, from small turboprops to military trainers and utility helicopters.
The Honeywell TPE331 is a highly reliable turboprop engine that is widely used in various aircraft applications. It is known for its robust design, efficient performance, and durability.

Power Output: 650-1,200 shaft horsepower

Engine Type: Turboprop

SFC (Specific Fuel Consumption): 0.50 lb/hp/hr

Compressor: Single-stage centrifugal compressor

Turbine: Two-stage axial turbine
4

14
votes
Olivier Cleynen · CC BY-SA 3.0

Rolls-Royce AE 2100

Rolls-Royce

It's a high-power engine that drives modern military transport planes, such as the C-130J and the A400M, with excellent performance and reliability.
The Rolls-Royce AE 2100 is a highly reliable turboprop engine designed for military and commercial aircraft. It is widely used in various applications due to its exceptional performance and advanced technology.

Maximum Power Output: 4,637 shp

Bypass Ratio: 14:1

Length: 116.4 in

Diameter: 32 in

Weight: 1,993 lbs
5

15
votes
lmnop88a · CC BY 2.0

Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100

Pratt & Whitney Canada

It's a modern engine that uses advanced technology to achieve high power, fuel efficiency, and low emissions, ideal for regional airliners and business aircraft.
The Pratt & Whitney Canada PW100 is a highly reliable turboprop engine widely used in regional and commuter aircrafts. It is known for its advanced technology, enhanced efficiency, and exceptional performance.

Engine Type: Turboprop

Maximum Power Output: 2,000 to 5,000 shaft horsepower

Number of Blades: 4 or 6

Compressor Type: Axial flow

Turbine Type: 2-stage axial, 2-stage radial
6

11
votes
Julian Herzog (Website) · CC BY 4.0

General Electric H80

General Electric

It's a compact and lightweight engine that provides reliable power to small turboprops and general aviation aircraft, with low maintenance and operating costs.
The General Electric H80 is a highly reliable turboprop engine designed for a variety of applications. It offers advanced technology and fuel efficiency while ensuring a smooth and powerful performance.

Engine Type: Turboprop

Power Output: Up to 800 horsepower

Propeller Diameter: 72 inches

Length: 51.4 inches

Width: 23.1 inches
7

4
votes
Rottweiler · Public domain

Walter M601

It's a Czech-made engine that has been widely used in Eastern Europe and Russia for decades, known for its durability, simplicity, and ease of maintenance.
The Walter M601 is a highly reliable turboprop engine commonly used in general aviation and military aircraft. It has been in production since the 1970s and has become one of the most popular choices for various aircraft applications.

Fuel Type: Jet A-1

Maximum Takeoff Power: 751 hp (560 kW)

Specific Fuel Consumption: 0.43 lb/hp/hr (248 g/kWh)

Weight: 445 kg (981 lb)

Length: 1,112 mm (43.7 in)
8

7
votes
Avco Lycoming ALF 502

It's an old but reliable engine that powered the BAe 146 regional airliner and other aircraft, with good fuel efficiency and low noise levels.
The Avco Lycoming ALF 502 is a highly reliable and efficient turboprop engine primarily used in regional aircraft. It was developed by the Avco Lycoming division of the Avco Corporation, which is now a part of Honeywell Aerospace. The ALF 502 is known for its exceptional performance and durability, making it a popular choice in the aviation industry.

Thrust: 4,500 lbf

Length: 103.5 inches

Diameter: 40.3 inches

Weight: 787 lbs

Compressor: 3-stage axial, 1-stage centrifugal
9

6
votes
Greg Goebel · CC BY-SA 2.0

Garrett TPE331

It's a veteran engine that has been in service since the 1960s, powering a variety of aircraft, from crop dusters to military drones, with proven reliability and ruggedness.
The Garrett TPE331 is a highly reliable turboprop engine designed primarily for use in military aircraft, regional airlines, and business jets. It is known for its robust construction, exceptional performance, and versatility in a wide range of operating conditions.

Type: Turboprop engine

Power Output: 900 - 1,650 shaft horsepower (shp)

Compressor: Single-stage centrifugal compressor

Turbine: Three-stage axial-flow turbine

Fuel Type: Jet fuel, commonly Jet A or Jet A-1
10

8
votes
Stahlkocher · CC BY-SA 3.0

Turbomeca Arriel

Safran Helicopter Engines

It's a French-made engine that drives many types of helicopters, including the Airbus H125 and the Eurocopter AS350, with high power, low vibration, and good hot-and-high performance.
The Turbomeca Arriel is a widely used turboprop engine known for its reliability and efficiency in powering medium-sized helicopters. It was developed by the renowned aerospace company, Safran Helicopter Engines (formerly known as Turbomeca).

Engine type: Turboprop

Power output: Up to 1,100 shp (shaft horsepower)

Weight: Approximately 280 kg

Length: 1,272 mm

Diameter: 560 mm

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Ranking factors for reliable turboprop engine

Engine design

A reliable turboprop engine should have a solid and efficient design that can withstand the rigors of regular use.
Maintenance

A reliable engine must be easy to maintain and have a low cost of ownership. This ensures that it can be kept in top working condition with minimal effort.
Fuel efficiency

A reliable turboprop engine should be fuel-efficient to optimize performance and reduce operating costs.
Power output

The engine's power output is also important, as this determines the aircraft's speed and performance capabilities.
Durability

A reliable engine should have a long operating life and be able to perform even in harsh working conditions.
Customer experiences

The track record of the engine in customer service, reliability data, and customer feedback can also be used to determine its reliability.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable turboprop engine. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Turboprop is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1700 views
173 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Turboprop once every 24 hours. The rank of each Turboprop is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most reliable turboprop engine

Turboprop engines have been used in aviation for decades and are known for their reliability and efficiency. These engines are typically used in smaller aircraft, such as regional airliners, military planes, and business jets. The reliability of a turboprop engine is crucial in ensuring the safety of the aircraft and its passengers. There are several manufacturers that produce turboprop engines, including Pratt & Whitney Canada, General Electric, and Honeywell Aerospace. Each manufacturer has its own unique technology and design, which can impact the performance and reliability of the engine. When it comes to determining the most reliable turboprop engine, there are several factors to consider, including the engine's maintenance requirements, fuel efficiency, and overall performance. It's important to look at the track record of each engine and consider feedback from pilots and maintenance professionals in the aviation industry. Ultimately, the most reliable turboprop engine will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the aircraft and its operator. By doing thorough research and considering all factors, operators can make an informed decision on which engine to choose for their aircraft.