A turboprop engine is a type of aircraft engine that combines a gas turbine with a propeller. It generates thrust by using the turbine to drive the propeller, making it efficient for short to medium-haul flights. Turboprop engines are commonly found in regional and commuter aircraft, where they provide good fuel efficiency and performance at lower speeds. These engines operate by drawing in air, compressing it, mixing it with fuel, and igniting the mixture. The resulting hot gases spin the turbine, which in turn powers the propeller. This design allows turboprop engines to perform well on shorter runways compared to pure jet engines.