Speed per gallon has always been the case for the MU-2. A Marquise cruises at around 295 KTAS on roughly 74 gallons an hour for both engines, faster on less fuel than most cabin twins of its era, and it does it on a small, high-loaded wing that rolls on spoilers instead of ailerons.
Mitsubishi built the type from 1963 to 1986 in Japan and San Angelo, Texas. More than 220 remain in service, flown by owner-pilots, freight and air ambulance operators, and still supported directly by the manufacturer nearly four decades after the last delivery.
Mitsubishi MU-2 Specifications
Figures are for the MU-2B-60 Marquise, the definitive long-body production model, with the short-body MU-2B-40 Solitaire noted where it differs.
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan); US production at San Angelo, Texas |
| Type | Pressurized twin turboprop utility and business aircraft |
| First flight | 14 September 1963 |
| Certification | MU-2B certified 1965; Solitaire and Marquise introduced 1979 |
| Production status | Out of production since 1986 |
| Units built | 764 across civil and military versions, per Mitsubishi |
| Engines | 2x Honeywell (Garrett) TPE331-10-501M, 715 shp each (Marquise and Solitaire); TPE331-25A of 575 shp on early MU-2B |
| Propellers | Four-blade Hartzell, 98in diameter; five-blade conversions available under STC |
| Max range | 1,395nm (2,585km) with max fuel and reserves; about 975nm seats full |
| Cruise speed | About 295 KTAS typical; up to about 307 KTAS max cruise |
| Max operating altitude | 29,750ft service ceiling |
| Cabin pressurization | 6.0 psi differential |
| Takeoff distance | Approximately 3,315ft balanced field length (Marquise) |
| Landing distance | Approximately 3,500ft published landing field length (Marquise) |
| Max takeoff weight (MTOW) | 11,575 lb (5,250 kg) Marquise; 10,470 lb (4,749 kg) Solitaire |
| Usable fuel | 403 US gallons (Solitaire and Marquise) |
| Wingspan | 39ft 2in (11.94m) |
| Length | 39ft 5in (12.01m) Marquise; 33ft 3in (10.13m) short-body models |
| Height | 13ft 8in (4.17m) Marquise |
| Passenger capacity | 6 to 7 typical executive / 9 max |
| Crew | 1 or 2 pilots; MU-2 specific training required under 14 CFR Part 91 Subpart N |
| Price (used) | Marquise averages about $840,000; Solitaire roughly $200,000 to $600,000 |
| Operating cost | Approximately $2,050/hr total variable at $8/gal fuel and 450 hr/yr |
Mitsubishi MU-2 History and Overview
Development and Background
The MU-2 was Mitsubishi’s first aircraft design after the Second World War, a light twin turboprop drawn from a clean sheet for civil and military work. The prototype flew on 14 September 1963 on Turbomeca Astazou engines, as did the three MU-2As that followed.
Production aircraft switched to Garrett TPE331 power as the MU-2B, and every civil model after that was certified as an MU-2B dash number with a separate marketing letter. The MU-2B-10, for example, sold as the MU-2D.
Mooney marketed the type in the United States from 1965 until its 1969 bankruptcy. Mitsubishi opened its own plant at San Angelo, Texas in 1967, and that facility became the sole source of MU-2s until the line closed in 1986.
Design and Performance
The wing is small and heavily loaded for speed. Full-span double-slotted flaps take the clean stall of around 106 KIAS down to roughly 81 KIAS for landing, and with no room left for ailerons, roll control comes from spoilers on top of the wing.
The single-shaft TPE331s respond quickly and burn little, and the systems were laid out more like a transport aircraft than a light twin: engines feed from the wing tanks above them, with no crossfeed to manage. All versions carry tip tanks.
That performance came with a demanding reputation. After FAA safety evaluations cleared the airframe and pointed to inconsistent training, SFAR 108 introduced mandatory MU-2 specific initial and recurrent training in 2008, since codified as Part 91 Subpart N.
Variants
- MU-2A: Prototype and three pre-production aircraft on Turbomeca Astazou engines.
- MU-2B to MU-2F (short body): Early TPE331 production models, including the unpressurized MU-2B-10 (MU-2D) and the pressurized MU-2F.
- MU-2G, J, L and N (long body): The stretch arrived with the MU-2G, first flown 10 January 1969 with a fuselage 6ft 3in longer. The MU-2J (108 built), higher-weight MU-2L (29 built) and four-blade MU-2N (39 built) followed.
- MU-2K, M and P (short body): Later short-fuselage models with more power and a 6.0 psi cabin; the MU-2P introduced four-blade propellers.
- MU-2B-40 Solitaire: Final short-body model from 1979, TPE331-10 engines, 10,470 lb gross weight.
- MU-2B-60 Marquise: Final long-body model from 1979, TPE331-10 engines, 11,575 lb gross weight and the most common choice on today’s market.
- Military versions: Built for the Japan Self-Defense Forces, including the MU-2S search and rescue aircraft and the LR-1 liaison and reconnaissance model.
Operators
Mitsubishi delivered MU-2s to operators in more than 70 countries for business transport, rescue, communications, air ambulance and military roles. Low used prices later took many into overnight freight fleets, where the type’s accident record was largely written.
Today’s fleet is concentrated in North America. Owner-pilots, small charter companies and Canadian medevac operators make up much of it.
Current Status
Production ended in 1986, but more than 220 MU-2s were still flying in 2025. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America in Dallas runs product support, backed by the company-owned Intercontinental Jet Service in Tulsa and a network of authorized service centers.
Mitsubishi keeps a stock of commonly used parts and can manufacture those it does not hold, which is why the type consistently ranks well in product support surveys. The MHI MU-2 support page lists the current service network.
Mitsubishi MU-2 Landing Gear and Tires
Landing Gear Configuration
The MU-2 uses retractable tricycle gear with a single wheel on each main leg and twin wheels on a rearward-retracting nose leg. The mains retract sideways into fairings on the fuselage, keeping the thin wing free of gear bays.
That gives a four-tyre set per aircraft. Goodyear’s application chart lists 8.50-10 10PR tubeless mains and 5.00-5 6PR nose tires for the MU-2 series, and the same sizes apply across the short and long body models. Hard landings rank among the type’s most common accident causes, so gear and tire inspection after a firm arrival is worth taking seriously.
Mitsubishi MU-2 Tire Specifications
| Nose wheel tire size | 5.00-5 (twin nose wheels); 6PR charted, 8PR also listed for the MU-2B |
| Main gear tire size | 8.50-10 10PR tubeless |
| Ply rating | 6PR or 8PR nose / 10PR main |
| Speed rating | 160 mph on all listed casings |
| Tire pressure (typical) | Refer to the aircraft maintenance manual |
| Compatible brands | Goodyear, Michelin, Dunlop |
| Part numbers | Goodyear 850T06-3 (main), 505C66-5 (nose, eligibility to confirm); Michelin 070-310-0 (nose), 025-350-0 (main, eligibility to confirm), 025-309-0 (nose, eligibility to confirm); Dunlop DR8626T (main, eligibility to confirm) |
Verify specifications against the aircraft’s maintenance manual, Illustrated Parts Catalog and applicable airworthiness directives before ordering. Model, serial number and modification status can change the tire requirement.
Main Gear Tires
Each main leg carries a single 8.50-10 10PR tubeless tire, the same size used on the King Air 90, PC-12 and Turbo Commander. Goodyear’s Flight Custom III 850T06-3 is listed for the MU-2 by name at 160 mph.
Michelin’s Air 025-350-0 and Dunlop’s DR8626T are cross-referenced alternates in the same size, ply rating and speed rating. Confirm both against the MU-2 IPC before fitting. Main tire wear is driven mostly by braking on short runways and by firm arrivals.
Nose Wheel Tire
The twin nose wheels take 5.00-5 tires. Goodyear charts a 6PR fitment, while Michelin’s Air 070-310-0 in 8PR tubeless is listed for the MU-2B; Goodyear’s 505C66-5 and Michelin’s Pilot 025-309-0 match the 6PR charted size at 160 mph, subject to IPC confirmation.
Many 5.00-5 casings are 120 mph tires built for piston singles, so check the speed rating the MU-2 requires before substituting one. Keep both nose tires matched in size and wear.
Approved and Compatible Brands
The following fitments apply to the Mitsubishi MU-2 in the correct size and ply rating:
- Goodyear: 850T06-3 (Flight Custom III, 8.50-10 10PR tubeless, 160 mph), main gear
- Michelin: 025-350-0 (Air, 8.50-10 10PR, 160 mph), main gear; confirm eligibility against the IPC
- Dunlop: DR8626T (8.50-10 10PR, 160 mph), main gear; confirm eligibility against the IPC
- Michelin: 070-310-0 (Air, 5.00-5 8PR tubeless, 160 mph), nose gear
- Goodyear: 505C66-5 (Flight Custom III, 5.00-5 6PR, 160 mph), nose gear; confirm eligibility against the IPC
- Michelin: 025-309-0 (Pilot, 5.00-5 6PR, 160 mph), nose gear; confirm eligibility against the IPC
Frequently Asked Questions: Mitsubishi MU-2
Is the Mitsubishi MU-2 still in production?
No. Production ended in 1986 after 764 aircraft, and more than 220 were still flying in 2025. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America continues to support the fleet, and both tire sizes are in wide use across other turboprops.
What are the Mitsubishi MU-2 specifications?
The Marquise uses two 715 shp TPE331-10 turboprops, weighs 11,575 lb at MTOW and seats up to nine. It cruises at around 295 KTAS with a 29,750ft ceiling; the table above covers the full figures and the Solitaire differences.
What is the range of the Mitsubishi MU-2?
A Marquise reaches about 1,395nm (2,585km) with maximum fuel and reserves. With every seat filled, range drops to roughly 975nm.
What is the Mitsubishi MU-2 price?
Pre-owned Marquises average around $840,000, while Solitaires trade roughly between $200,000 and $600,000. Engine times, avionics upgrades and propeller conversions account for most of the spread, and earlier short-body models sit below both.
What does the Mitsubishi MU-2 cost to operate per hour?
Total variable cost for a Marquise runs about $2,050 per hour at $8 per gallon fuel and 450 hours a year. Adding fixed costs, including mandatory recurrent training, brings the all-in figure to roughly $2,850 per hour.
Where can I find a Mitsubishi MU-2 for sale?
Listings appear on Controller, GlobalAir, AvBuyer and Trade-A-Plane, usually a dozen or so at any time. MU-2 specialist brokers and service centers also handle a share of sales.
What interior options does the Mitsubishi MU-2 offer?
Most Marquises are set up for six or seven passengers in club seating, often with fold-out tables and a lavatory. The Solitaire cabin is about six feet shorter and seats five in reasonable comfort.
What is the Mitsubishi MU-2 landing distance?
Published landing field length for the Marquise is about 3,500ft, against a 3,315ft balanced field length for takeoff. Actual ground roll is much shorter, helped by full-span flaps and reverse thrust, and changes with weight, temperature and runway condition.
What tire size does the Mitsubishi MU-2 use?
Main gear tires are 8.50-10 10PR tubeless and the twin nose wheels take 5.00-5 tires in 6PR or 8PR. Verify the size and ply rating against the maintenance manual and IPC for your model and serial number.
Which tire brands are approved for the Mitsubishi MU-2?
Goodyear’s 850T06-3 is listed for the MU-2 main gear and Michelin’s 070-310-0 for the nose. Michelin, Dunlop and Goodyear alternates in matching sizes need eligibility confirmed against the IPC.
How much do Mitsubishi MU-2 tires cost?
Pricing varies by brand, ply rating and construction. The 8.50-10 main tires cost several times more than the 5.00-5 nose tires, and a full set means four tires.
What is the tire pressure for the Mitsubishi MU-2?
Take inflation pressures from the maintenance manual for your model rather than from tire manufacturer data. Rated inflation at rated load is not the aircraft service pressure.
How long do Mitsubishi MU-2 tires last?
Tire life is measured in landings. Short runways, heavy braking and firm arrivals wear the mains fastest, while low-utilization aircraft often retire tires for sidewall cracking and age before tread wear.
How often should Mitsubishi MU-2 tires be changed?
Replace a tire at the tread wear limit, when cord is exposed, or when cuts, bulges or flat spots are found. Check the gear and tires after any hard landing, change nose tires as a matched pair, and follow the maintenance manual and a licensed engineer on the final call.
