Pzl-Mielec M-18 Turbine Dromader
The M-18 Dromader is a rugged single-engine agricultural aircraft that Polish manufacturer WSK-Mielec developed in the 1970s with help from Rockwell International, specifically so it could meet FAA certification and sell in the West despite being built behind the Iron Curtain. The Turbine Dromader, developed in the US as the T45 with Melex, replaces the original radial piston engine with a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-45AG turboprop, trading some of the classic Dromader's simplicity for smoother power and easier hot-and-high operation. Both crop-dusting and firefighting operators still fly Dromaders decades after the type's August 1976 first flight.
Did you know?
The Dromader crop duster with a PT6A turboprop replacing its classic radial - same rugged frame, far smoother spray runs.
Specifications
| Length | 9.4 m (31 ft) |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 17.7 m (58 ft) |
| Height | 3.7 m (12 ft) |
| Persons on board | 1 |
| Maximum take-off weight | 5.3 t |
| Range | 520 NM (963 km) |
| Service ceiling | 22,000 ft (6,706 m) |
| Optimum ceiling | 21,000 ft (6,401 m) |
| Rate of climb | 1,360 ft/min (6.9 m/s) |
| Take-off distance | 530 m (1,739 ft) |
| Landing distance | 360 m (1,181 ft) |
| Fuel capacity | 720 l |
Curated by CatchFlights from manufacturer documents, ICAO Doc 8643 and reference works; values are left out where no source could confirm them. Sources are listed on our credits page.
In CatchFlights
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