The world's first turboprop was designed by the Hungarian mechanical engineer György Jendrassik. Jendrassik published a turboprop idea in 1928, and on 12 March 1929 he patented his invention. In 1938, he built a small-scale (100 Hp; 74.6 kW) experimental gas turbine.

What was the first turboprop airplane?

Lockheed produced the first U.S. turboprop-powered aircraft, the L-188 Electra II. American Airlines began flying them in 1959. However, wing failures caused by excessive vibration resulted in several fatal accidents and flight restrictions. Lockheed solved the problem, but sales plunged.

Are turboprops more efficient than jets?

More efficient for short distances: For any given short route, specifically the ones in which an aircraft is incapable of reaching higher altitudes, turboprops are much more efficient than jets. The primary reason behind this is the higher power-to-weight ratio at times of take-off and landing.