What is a turboprop airliner?
Turboprop aircraft have one or more gas-turbine engines connected to a gearbox that turns the propeller(s), to move the aircraft on the ground and through the air. Turboprop Advantages It runs more efficiently while providing a higher power output per unit of weight than a jet. Expect optimum fuel efficiency when flying at low altitudes (ideally below 25,000 feet).However, there are drawbacks to using turboprops. Most jets can fly above or utilize the jet stream for speed and smoother rides with less turbulence. Turboprops operate at lower altitudes, making them more susceptible to turbulence and thermal effects.Typically, jets are faster than turboprops: jet engines produce thrust by expelling a powerful stream of exhaust gases that makes it possible to attain higher speeds; commercial jetliners may reach velocities between 500-600 knots (575-690 mph) or even beyond Mach 1.In fact, turboprop engines are also more efficient than turbofan engines, but aircraft speeds using turboprop engines are typically lower than those of turbofan engines.
Why are turboprops not popular in the US?
Some are pretty fast (Dash-8 can do over 400 mph). But turboprops are also more maintenance intensive than a turbofan so unless the turboprop has some significant advantage over a jet on a particular route, a jet will be preferred. Because they’re small, noisy, and lack fuel efficiency. The 737 does not have turboprop engines because they would limit aircraft speeds to less than 450 mph and a lower altitude compared to the current 737 turbofans that operate at 600 mph and much higher altitudes.