Vickers Viscount

The Vickers Viscount, introduced in 1952 by Vickers‑Armstrongs, was the world’s first successful turboprop airliner and set new standards for post‑war commercial aviation. Developed from the earlier Vickers Viking, the Viscount first flew on 16 July 1948 and entered airline service with British European Airways in 1953. Powered by four Rolls‑Royce Dart turboprop engines, the aircraft combined the speed of a jet with the fuel efficiency and short‑runway capability of propellers, cruising at 330 mph and carrying between 48 and 75 passengers depending on the variant. Its pressurised cabin, large windows, and quiet, vibration‑free ride made it popular with passengers and crews alike. Over 400 Viscounts were built, serving airlines across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, and proving especially valuable on regional and medium‑range routes. The type’s reliability and operational economy helped airlines expand networks and accelerate the shift from piston‑engine transports to modern turboprop and jet fleets. The Viscount’s legacy endures as a milestone in aeronautical engineering, illustrating how turboprop technology bridged the gap to the jet age. A handful of examples continue to operate in freight service and are displayed in aviation museums worldwide, reminding new generations of its pioneering role.

Vickers-Armstrongs

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