Turboprop
Back to the Basics Jet Propultion Turbo Jet Turboprop Turboshaft Turbofan Contrasting Conlusion Bibliography

 

 

The gas turbine engine can also be used (in place of piston engines) to drive a propeller (turboprop) or a rotor blade on a helicopter (turboshaft).

The cutaway model is a Pratt&Whitney PT6

 

These are the work horse of the corporate and military aviation industries. Older technology but very still very useful for aircraft manufacturers.

In this picture we have a Beechcraft 200 turboprop. Fitted on this aircraft is one of the most common engines found in the industry.

 
bulletThe air enters the turbine at the inlet screen.

 
bulletThe air is then compressed by a three stage compressor along with a larger single stage compressor. From there is enters the combustion chamber.

 
bulletThe hot gases from the compressor chamber then drive the compressor turbine. They then drive the power turbine, which in turn drives the prop shaft.
bulletThe PT6 has 2 separate gear boxes. The accessory gear box drives a generator and A/C. The main reduction gear box reduces the shaft speed to a fraction. (Approximately 12.5:1 reduction)
bulletBelow I have Examples of The two different types of turboprop engines.

Fixed_Shaft_Turbine 

  Free Turbine  

 

 

[ Home ] [ Up ] [ Back to the Basics ] [ Jet Propultion ] [ Turbo Jet ] [ Turboprop ] [ Turboshaft ] [ Turbofan ] [ Contrasting ] [ Conlusion ] [ Bibliography ]