—MITSUBISHI SOLITAIRE

Mitsubishi Solitaire for Sale — Buy or Sell a MU-2 Solitaire Short-Body Twin Turboprop

The Mitsubishi Solitaire is the short-body twin-turboprop variant of the legendary Mitsubishi MU-2 family — a compact, pressurised, six-to-seven-seat performance aircraft that delivers cruise speeds approaching 300 knots at a fraction of the cost of a comparable jet. The Solitaire designation applies to the MU-2B-20 through MU-2B-36A production variants: aircraft that share the MU-2's distinctive full-span high-lift flap system, spoileron roll control, and powerful Garrett TPE331 engines in a shorter, lighter fuselage optimised for owner-pilot operations and corporate shuttle missions. Mitsubishi Solitaire aircraft for sale represent outstanding value in the twin turboprop market for buyers seeking maximum speed and high-altitude capability in a two-pilot or single-pilot platform. Airplane Trade is the global marketplace to find and list Solitaire aircraft worldwide.

Solitaire vs. Marquise — Understanding the MU-2 Family

Mitsubishi produced two distinct fuselage lengths across the MU-2 production run. The short-body Solitaire variants — MU-2B-20, -25, -26, and -36A — carry six to seven occupants in a pressurised cabin approximately 13 feet long. The long-body Marquise variants — MU-2B-30, -40, and -60 — stretch the fuselage to accommodate up to eight passengers. Both share the same wing, engines, and basic systems, but the shorter, lighter Solitaire offers slightly better performance metrics in terms of climb rate and cruise speed due to its lower operating weight. For owner-pilots who primarily fly without a full passenger load, the Solitaire's more compact footprint and slightly lower acquisition cost make it an attractive alternative to the Marquise while still delivering all the essential MU-2 performance attributes.

Solitaire Production Variants

• MU-2B-20 Solitaire — Original short-body designation for North American market; Garrett TPE331-6-252M engines, 717 shp each; 6 seats; produced from the early 1970s; foundation of the Solitaire line.
• MU-2B-25 Solitaire — Refined variant with improved engine intake fairings, updated avionics provisions, and increased MTOW; the most common Solitaire on the used market.
• MU-2B-26 / MU-2B-26A Solitaire — Further systems refinements; improved interior ergonomics; some later examples factory-equipped with Collins avionics suites.
• MU-2B-36 / MU-2B-36A Solitaire — Final and most capable short-body variant; upgraded Garrett TPE331-10-501M engines, 778 shp each — same as the Marquise; improved hot-and-high performance; the Solitaire variant most comparable to the long-body Marquise in power output.

Performance — MU-2B-36A Solitaire

• Engines — Two Garrett TPE331-10-501M, 778 shp each
• Maximum Speed — 352 mph (306 knots / 566 km/h)
• Cruise Speed — 310 mph (270 knots / 499 km/h) at 25,000 ft
• Range — 1,540 miles (2,478 km) with standard fuel
• Service Ceiling — 30,000 ft (9,144 m)
• Rate of Climb — 2,750 ft/min (sea level, MTOW)
• MTOW — 10,470 lb (4,749 kg)
• Cabin Pressurisation — 5.5 psi differential; sea-level cabin equivalent to FL230
• Seating — Pilot + up to 6 passengers

Flying the Solitaire — Pilot Considerations

The Mitsubishi Solitaire shares all of the MU-2 family's handling characteristics — both the rewarding performance and the demanding technique requirements. The FAA's SFAR 108 Special Training Requirements apply to all MU-2 variants including the Solitaire, and compliance is mandatory for all pilots acting as PIC in the United States. Approved MU-2 training providers offer type-specific ground and flight training that teaches pilots to manage the aircraft's energy correctly on approach and to use the spoileron system effectively throughout the flight envelope. Solitaire pilots who have completed proper training consistently report that the aircraft is highly manageable and extraordinarily rewarding to fly — the combination of near-300-knot cruise and genuine single-pilot capability makes the Solitaire one of the most productive personal turboprops available at any price point.

Operating Economics

The Solitaire's relatively modest MTOW and short-body configuration contribute to operating economics that are genuinely competitive for its performance class. Fuel burn at long-range cruise typically runs 50–60 gallons per hour of Jet-A for both engines combined — comparable to or better than many piston twins that cruise 100 knots slower. Engine overhaul reserves for the TPE331-10 run approximately $75–$100 per flight hour per engine. Total direct operating costs — fuel, engine reserves, and basic maintenance — typically fall in the $600–$900 per hour range for a well-maintained owner-operated Solitaire, making it one of the most cost-effective ways to achieve 270-knot pressurised cross-country performance.

Buying a Mitsubishi Solitaire — Key Considerations

• SFAR 108 Training — Plan for and complete approved MU-2 Special Training Requirements before operating as PIC; budget approximately $5,000–$8,000 for initial training from an approved provider.
• Engine Hours (SMOH) — TPE331 engines TBO is 3,500–3,600 hours; engine overhaul cost $150,000–$200,000 each; engines approaching TBO significantly affect aircraft value.
• Flap System Condition — Inspect flap actuators, tracks, and end-of-travel switches; verify symmetric flap deployment and proper rigging throughout the travel range.
• Avionics — Many Solitaires have been updated with modern Collins or Garmin avionics; verify ADS-B out compliance and assess the avionics fit against your IFR requirements.
• Fuel System — The multi-tank fuel system with interconnect and transfer capabilities requires careful review; verify proper operation of all fuel pumps and crossfeed valves.

Find Your Mitsubishi Solitaire on Airplane Trade

Airplane Trade is the premier global marketplace for the Mitsubishi MU-2 Solitaire in all short-body variants — MU-2B-20, -25, -26, -26A, -36, and -36A. Browse verified listings from experienced owner-pilots and specialist dealers across North America, Europe, and Japan. Each listing features complete engine status, avionics details, and direct seller contact. Discover why the Solitaire remains one of the most compelling value propositions in the twin turboprop market, and find yours on Airplane Trade today.