A turboprop is a type of aircraft engine that uses a gas turbine to drive a propeller. This design combines the efficiency of a jet engine with the thrust of a propeller, making it suitable for short to medium-haul flights. Turboprop engines are commonly found in regional and commuter aircraft, providing good fuel efficiency and performance at lower speeds. Turboprop engines are often used in planes like the Bombardier Q400 and ATR 72. They are particularly effective for flying shorter distances, as they can take off and land on shorter runways compared to pure jet engines. This makes them popular for connecting smaller airports.