Data and design models for military turbo-propeller aircraft

This article presents a comparative and analytic review of present fixed-wing military aircraft equipped with turboprops. The database includes several aircraft types ranging from the training/light attack role to strategic transport. Data concerning masses, wing and tail surfaces, propellers and engines, as well as aerodynamic data and performance figures of 43 military aircraft in current inventories is analysed. The data is compared to conceptual and preliminary design models that are commonly available in the literature for turbo-propeller aircraft. Models from different sources are used concurrently. Departures from those models reveal that purpose built design models for civilian aircraft are not applicable to military aircraft without amendment; while models specifically issued for military turbo-propellers often rely on outdated data. New model coefficients, or new model laws are proposed whenever necessary so that current trends are adequately translated into reliable design models for future military aircraft.