Warbird Information Exchange

Folks:

I saw a YS-11 for sale on the internet, and was wondering if anyone knows much about them? Just wondering how many GPH they burn, cruise speed, AD's, etc. The ad said they have 3000 hp engines.

They were a good plane when they were younger and more prolific in the Eastern Pacific Rim, but I would suggest not going for it unless you've got a good supply of nearly RR Dart 542 parts. Outside of what the JASDF has hoarded, I'm not aware of much in the way of availability and they're the sole remaining operator of the YS-11. Airborne Express had a bunch that they flew for several years, but my understanding from guys who were around back then is that the engines were why they didn't keep them.

Also, everything I've heard about the Dart goes along the lines of - "it's a great engine...when it works."