Propliner

A propliner is an informal term referring to a large, multi-engine, propeller-driven airliner, typically operating from the 1930s through the 1950s. These aircraft were characterized by their piston engines turning large propellers to generate thrust. They represent a significant era in air travel, bridging the gap between smaller, less comfortable aircraft and the jet age. Propliners generally offered pressurized cabins for higher altitude flight, improved passenger comfort, and increased range compared to their predecessors. They facilitated the rapid expansion of commercial air routes and made long-distance air travel more accessible. Common features included radial engines, retractable landing gear, and relatively low cruising speeds compared to jet aircraft. The term often evokes a sense of nostalgia for a perceived "golden age" of air travel.