1979 Mitsubishi Marquise used
- January 30, 2023
The Mitsubishi Marquise — the long-body, high-performance variant of the legendary Mitsubishi MU-2 series — is one of the fastest and most capable twin turboprop aircraft ever produced for the personal and business aviation market. Combining Garrett TPE331 engines with an aerodynamically refined fuselage, full-span spoilerons (unique in its class), and pressurised cabin comfort for up to eight occupants, the Marquise delivers jet-comparable cruise speeds at a fraction of the acquisition and operating cost of a comparable business jet. Mitsubishi Marquise aircraft for sale attract experienced pilots who understand and respect the aircraft's demanding handling characteristics and who value its outstanding performance envelope above all alternatives in the twin turboprop class. Airplane Trade is the leading global marketplace for Marquise buyers and sellers worldwide.
Mitsubishi Aircraft International — a subsidiary of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries conglomerate — designed the MU-2 in Japan in the early 1960s as a high-speed utility and business twin. The aircraft first flew on 14 September 1963, and production continued until 1986, during which time Mitsubishi manufactured approximately 755 aircraft across a wide range of variants. The MU-2's defining design feature is its use of full-span double-slotted Fowler flaps combined with spoilerons (spoiler-ailerons) for roll control — a configuration that allows the wing to be extremely clean aerodynamically at cruise (maximising speed) while deploying enormous flap area for landing (minimising approach speed). This design philosophy produces a landing speed that belies the aircraft's cruise performance, but it also requires precise, well-trained piloting technique. The MU-2B-60 Marquise is the long-fuselage production variant that represents the pinnacle of the normally-aspirated MU-2 family, while the MU-2B-61 Solitaire is the pressurised single-engine variant derived from the same platform.
The Mitsubishi MU-2 and Marquise have a well-documented reputation for demanding precise piloting technique, and the FAA has implemented a comprehensive Special Training Requirements (STR) programme for MU-2 pilots in recognition of this fact. The spoileron roll control system provides highly responsive lateral handling but requires different technique from conventional aileron-equipped aircraft — particularly at low speeds where spoileron deflection also reduces lift. The aircraft's clean aerodynamics make it fast but also demand energy management discipline on approach. MU-2 pilots who complete proper initial and recurrent training consistently report very high satisfaction with the aircraft's performance; those who are inadequately trained have experienced accidents. The FAA's STR programme, implemented in 2008, has resulted in a dramatically improved safety record for the type and has standardised training across the entire US MU-2 fleet.
Airplane Trade is the premier global marketplace for high-performance twin turboprops including the Mitsubishi MU-2B-60 Marquise and related MU-2 family variants. Browse verified listings from experienced owner-pilots, corporate flight departments, and specialist dealers across North America, Europe, and Japan. Each listing includes complete engine status, avionics details, and direct seller contact. If you are ready to own one of the fastest twin turboprops ever certified, find your Mitsubishi Marquise on Airplane Trade today.