MU-2

The Mitsubishi MU‑2 is a high‑performance, twin‑engine turboprop that first flew in 1963 and entered production in 1965. Developed from the earlier MU‑1 and MU‑2B piston‑engine transports, the MU‑2 was redesigned with a pressurised cabin, a swept‑back wing and two Garrett TPE331 engines, giving it a cruise speed exceeding 300 knots and a service ceiling above 30,000 feet. Its all‑metal airframe, retractable landing gear and a sophisticated de‑icing system made it popular for corporate, regional airline and air‑ambulance operations worldwide. The aircraft’s short‑field capability, combined with a relatively low operating cost, allowed it to serve remote airfields that larger jets could not reach. Over 500 units were built before production ended in 1986, and many remain in service with private owners and charter companies. The MU‑2’s reputation for speed and efficiency helped demonstrate the viability of turboprop transport in the jet age, influencing later designs such as the Saab 340 and the ATR series. Its legacy endures as a benchmark for high‑speed, short‑haul turboprop performance. Improved pilot training programs and the introduction of a flight‑control augmentation system in later models reduced the aircraft’s historically high accident rate, reinforcing its reputation as a capable, if demanding, platform.

Mitsubishi

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