The world’s first turboprop aircraft was the British manufactured Vickers Viscount. This aircraft was powered by the Rolls-Royce Dart turboprop and at the time was a revolution for efficiency and passenger comfort.
A major sales success, 445 aircraft were produced between 1948 and 1963. Service commenced in 1953 with Britain’s BEA and the aircraft saw service throughout the world.
Viscount Video
At the time, the world was full of piston driven airliners and with them came tremendous noise and vibration. A turboprop is a jet powered aircraft with the jet engine powering a propeller which drives the aircraft through the air.
This is an excellent 6 minute video taken from a BBC production. It shows the Viscount interior, exterior and tells you how a turboprop engine works and more.
What I particularly noticed is the fact the aircraft has large windows, passengers smoke and it is a 5 abreast economy class cabin which looks extremely tight. Look out for the cabin crew serving each tray by hand.
The Viscount went on to larger and more powerful versions, seeing service in places as far flung as Australia and the USA. In the USA, Capital Airlines operated the Viscount and later these were operated by United when they took over Capital.
The Viscount Jump
An Australian published book I have mentions a phenomenon called the “Viscount Jump”. As passengers were able to experience smooth and vibration free flight for the first time, it was very popular.
Due to this, many routes the aircraft flew experienced an increase in passenger numbers almost immediately once the aircraft went into service. This is something many modern airlines wish their new aircraft would create.
Overall Thoughts
I have been on a Viscount just once and that is in the Brooklands Museum in Weybridge, Surrey in the UK. The seats are narrow and the aircraft small but the very large windows made me want to go up and fly in one. Sadly the aircraft is long out of service but deserves to be remembered for being a revolution in passenger transport.
Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.
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Featured image by J. Hopton sourced from AussieAirliners.
As an employee of United Airlines from 1965 to 1973, I worked in or near the Viscount. Two amazing things I watched were 1) a Viscount actually backing up under its own power, and 2) a DC-6 parked in front of a Viscount was able to start engine #1 from the prop wash of the DC-6. I also accidently got shut inside the rear cargo pit one time.
Awesome that you worked for United back then! I would have loved to have seen a Viscount backing up under its own power. Saves having to use a tug, that’s for sure. Interesting on the engine start, something different to witness. Now I’m wondering how you got shut in the cargo pit – clearly it ended well, but that would have been a little scary! Thanks for the comment!
My first flight was CLE to LGA on a Capital Airlines Viscount circa 1955. I was about 5. My parents marveled at it’s quiet and smooth ride. Sadly, the aircraft while advanced in many ways had several defects that led to serious fatal accidents. Capital 75 is one prime example. Nevertheless I’m nostalgic and read a lot about this pioneering aircraft.
Yes, they had quite a lot of accidents really, but a lot of aircraft did back then, even aircraft such as the Boeing 707. I can imagine your parents were marvelling at the ride, it was quite an advancement over the piston aircraft of the era. Fantastic you got to go on one! Thanks for that.