I've always been a fan of those big, beautiful propliners from the 50s and early 60s, such as the B377, Constellation, Dc-7 etc. I've done some searching lately to try to find out which one of these great aircraft that was the fastest (in terms of normal cruising speed). As far as I can tell it would be the Dc-7C, but maybe there is another, less known one?

 

Also, when it comes to the slightly later turboprop airliners, which of them would be the fastest? The Lockeed Electra?

 

 

Also, when it comes to the slightly later turboprop airliners, which of them would be the fastest? The Lockeed Electra?

Probably the Tu-114. Much more limited service than the L-188, but respectable numbers for a prop, even by today's standards.

TU-114 and the L-188 were both turbo props.  Do those count as propliners?   They are effectively jet powered with a big fan on the front!

TU-114 and the L-188 were both turbo props.  Do those count as propliners?   They are effectively jet powered with a big fan on the front!

 

When someone says prop liner the Constellation comes to mind...so I believe turboprops don't count as prop liners. Then again tp's never had a long enough niche within aviation to have their own section (Ie Electra or TU-114) therefore many consider them propliners.

 

That being said, fastest commercial airliner prop plane by far is the -114.

Fastest commercial piston was probably the DC-7 cruising about 311KTAS in cruise. 

 

Hope this helps!