The Saab 2000.

The Saab 2000 is one of the fastest turboprop airplanes in existence; it is able to cruise at a speed of over 665 km/h (360 kt). It is a modified version of the Saab 340.

Saab decided to build the 2000 in December, 1988 due to perceived demand for a high speed turboprop which could approach the speeds of jet aircraft while retaining the efficiency provided by turboprop engines. The Saab 2000 first flew on March 26, 1992, and entered into service a in 1994, a few months after its certification by the Joint Aviation Authorities in March and the Federal Aviation Administration in April.

The Saab 2000 had a 15% greater wingspan than the Saab 340, and being over 24 ft. 9 in. (7.55m) longer could fit up to 50 passengers. The 2000 was the first commercial aircraft to use Rolls-Royce AE 2100 turboshaft engines (then built by Allison), driving slow turning six-bladed Dowty propellers. One engine was mounted on each wing, as in the 340, with the engines placed farther from the fuselage than those of the 340.

Sales of the Saab 2000 were fairly limited, although 34 were operated by Crossair, the daughter airline of Swissair. Due to poor sales, Saab stopped production of the Saab 2000 in 1999. As of 2000, only 54 Saab 2000 aircraft were in service. The primary reason for poor sales was the success of low-cost regional jets such as the Embraer ERJ-145 and the Canadair CRJ-200, which provided better performance and passenger comfort for the same price.

Specifications

• Accommodation: 2 crew + 50 passengers
• Max cruising speed: 682km/h (368kt)
• Range: 2868km (1549nm)
• Wing span: 24.76m (81ft 3in)
• Wing area: 55.74m³ (1,968.43 ft³)
• Length: 27.28m (89ft 6in)
• Height: 7.73m (25ft 4in)

See also:List of civil aircraft