The aviation industry’s transition from propellers to jet engines saw the emergence of a new kind of engine called the turboprop. A turboprop engine is a turbine engine but instead of generating thrust from exhaust, the engine drives a propeller.

In 1955, the US Air Force developed an experimental aircraft called the XF-84H, manufactured by Republic Aviation. The purpose of the XF-84H was to determine whether it was possible for a fighter airplane to ditch the catapult and takeoff from a carrier on its own accord. A turboprop engine was chosen to power the aircraft, because such an engine uses big fans to move large volumes of air, which enables the aircraft to produce greater thrust at lower speeds. Bigger thrust means faster acceleration, which translates to shorter takeoffs.

The XF-84H in flight. Photo: US Air Force