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2023 Thrush 510P2 New
- February 1, 2023
Thrush 510P2 for Sale — Agricultural Turboprop Aircraft
The Thrush 510P2 is a purpose-built agricultural aircraft that has earned an outstanding reputation among professional aerial applicators across the United States, South America, and beyond. Powered by a single Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-65AG turboprop engine delivering 1,376 shaft horsepower, the 510P2 combines exceptional power-to-weight characteristics with the rugged Thrush airframe that has been proven in the most demanding crop-dusting and spray operations imaginable. Airplane Trade connects buyers and sellers of the Thrush 510P2 and related Thrush agricultural turboprops through a dedicated marketplace built for the ag-aviation industry.
Design and Engineering of the Thrush 510P2
The Thrush Aircraft company has a lineage stretching back to the Rockwell Thrush Commander of the early 1970s, and the 510P2 represents the mature evolution of that heritage. The airframe is constructed primarily of 4130 chrome-moly steel tubing for the forward fuselage structure, providing outstanding crashworthiness and the ability to absorb wire strikes — a persistent hazard in low-altitude agricultural operations — without catastrophic structural failure. The low-wing monoplane configuration places the hopper directly behind the engine for optimal weight and balance across a wide range of loading conditions.
The 510P2 designation reflects the aircraft's 510-gallon hopper capacity paired with the P2 engine installation. The hopper itself is constructed from corrosion-resistant composite materials capable of handling both liquid pesticide formulations and dry granular products. The aircraft is approved for aerial application operations under FAR Part 137 and meets all current EPA requirements for precision agricultural spraying.
PT6A-65AG Engine Installation
The Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-65AG turboprop is ideally suited to the demanding operational profile of agricultural flying. Producing 1,376 shp flat-rated to provide consistent output across a wide range of temperatures and field elevations, the engine enables the 510P2 to operate from short, unprepared strips with heavy chemical loads, climb quickly to altitude between passes, and maintain high productivity in hot and high conditions that would severely limit piston-powered competitors. The PT6 family is renowned for exceptional reliability with time between overhaul intervals of 3,600 hours, and its worldwide service and parts network ensures minimal downtime during critical spray seasons.
Performance Specifications — Thrush 510P2
- Engine: Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-65AG, 1,376 shp
- Hopper capacity: 510 US gallons liquid / equivalent dry
- Maximum takeoff weight: 10,500 lb
- Maximum cruise speed: Approximately 170 knots TAS
- Stall speed (clean): Approximately 75 knots
- Takeoff distance (MTOW): Under 1,200 ft at sea level, standard conditions
- Fuel capacity: 248 US gallons
- Spray system: Compatible with booms, micronairs, and spreaders
- Landing gear: Fixed, tailwheel configuration
Operational Advantages of the 510P2
Agricultural operators who have transitioned from piston-powered ag aircraft to the Thrush 510P2 consistently report substantial gains in productivity. The turboprop powerplant enables faster turnaround times between loads, higher ferry speeds to distant fields, and the ability to work through summer heat cycles that force piston operators to stand down. The 510-gallon hopper allows more chemical to be carried per load compared to smaller-capacity competitors, reducing the number of reload stops needed per field and lowering overall cost per acre treated.
The aircraft's airframe is notably easy to maintain in the field environment. The steel tube forward structure can be repaired by certificated airframe technicians with conventional welding equipment, and Thrush maintains an active parts supply chain from its Albany, Georgia manufacturing facility. The tailwheel landing gear, while requiring more pilot technique than tricycle gear during ground operations, is well-adapted to rough field conditions and provides better propeller clearance on uneven terrain.
Cockpit and Systems
The 510P2 cockpit is designed for work rather than passenger comfort, with a layout optimized for the unique demands of low-altitude agricultural operations. The pilot's seat provides excellent forward and lateral visibility over the nose, critical for accurate pass alignment at field boundaries. The spray system controls — boom switches, flowmeters, and GPS application management system interfaces — are positioned for easy operation without distraction from the primary flight task. Most 510P2s are equipped with modern precision agriculture GPS systems such as the Satloc or Hemisphere systems, enabling prescription spraying and accurate record-keeping for regulatory compliance.
Market and Resale Value
The Thrush 510P2 holds its value exceptionally well compared to many other specialized aircraft types. The agricultural aviation market is driven by productivity and reliability rather than aesthetics, and well-maintained 510P2s with known histories command strong prices from established spray operators and farm aviation businesses. Aircraft with low engine times, current annual inspections, and documented compliance with all applicable Airworthiness Directives are in consistent demand throughout the Americas, Australia, and Africa where large-scale commercial agriculture depends on aerial application for competitive economics.
Find a Thrush 510P2 on Airplane Trade
Browse current Thrush 510P2 listings on Airplane Trade to find aircraft from working operators, estate sales, and professional dealers. Our platform provides detailed specifications, operational history summaries, and direct seller contact information so you can evaluate each aircraft efficiently. Whether you are expanding an existing spray fleet or purchasing your first turboprop ag aircraft, Airplane Trade has the inventory and the specialized focus to help you make a confident purchase decision.
List your Thrush 510P2 for sale and reach the most targeted audience of agricultural aviation professionals and aircraft investors actively searching for these aircraft on Airplane Trade today.