Hartzell Propeller ended 2013 as the world’s leading aviation propeller manufacturer, delivering more than 3,700 new propellers and introducing advanced swept-blade aerodynamics and improved true structural composite technology to aviators.
“Hartzell partnered with Raisbeck Engineering to introduce superior swept-blade aerodynamically-advanced propellers for the legendary Beechcraft King Air series during 2013,” said Hartzell Propeller President Joe Brown.
“At the same time we also launched swept-blade aerodynamics coupled with very advanced structural composite manufacturing technology for new Socata TBM five-blade propellers, which increase speed and climb while reducing noise.”
During 2013, Hartzell delivered its milestone 20,000th propeller as part of the company’s Top Prop™ aftermarket program. Also in 2013, the company delivered more than 3,700 new propellers to a number of aviation markets including, general aviation, business aviation, scheduled airlines, and military and unmanned sectors, making it the world’s most prolific aviation prop manufacturer.
“We’ve doubled our capital equipment for producing structural composite blades. The market’s responding very positively, and I’m pleased to say we’re hiring and have been hiring for the past couple of years,” said Brown. “This is a good time for us to invest in general aviation as our core business. We fly airplanes and it’s been a lot of fun.”
Hartzell delivered more than 3,200 aluminum blade propellers and more than 500 structural composite blade propellers to customers in the United States and around the world in 2013. In addition, the Hartzell Service Center overhauled nearly 250 Hartzell props during the year. Hartzell Propeller employment stands at more than 280 people.
Also during 2013, Hartzell Propeller President Brown was elected to serve the industry as the vice chair of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. He also serves on the board of the Experimental Aircraft Association.
Raisbeck-Hartzell King Air Swept Propellers
Hartzell began the year with announcement of a joint development program with Raisbeck Engineering for the first business aviation turbine propeller using swept-blade aerodynamics as an integral part of its performance-improving design. The effort culminated in the FAA certification of the Raisbeck/Hartzell aluminum four-blade swept turbofan propeller for Beechcraft King Air 200/B200/B200GT aircraft.
That was followed by another Raisbeck-Hartzell joint development program for advanced four-blade swept airfoil propellers for Beechcraft King Air C90 series aircraft. These new Raisbeck-Hartzell aluminum propellers will be available from Raisbeck Engineering beginning in 2014.
With the new Hartzell swept-blade propellers, overall aircraft thrust and efficiency are measurably improved for Beechcraft King Air C90GTx, C90GTi, C90GT, C90B, C90A, C90 and E90 models. In addition, the new Hartzell swept propellers lower cockpit and cabin sound levels.
Hartzell TBM Swept-Blade Structural Composite Prop
Also during the year, Hartzell Propeller received type certificate approval from the Federal Aviation Administration and European Aviation Safety Agency for an advanced swept airfoil structural composite five-blade propeller for TBM 700/850 aircraft. The new design, specifically engineered for the single-engine TBM turboprop, delivers even faster takeoff acceleration, higher cruise speeds and better climb, along with less noise, for the world’s fastest turboprop.
Hartzell Top Prop for Pilatus PC-6
During 2013, the venerable Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter also became the beneficiary of a Hartzell Top Prop™ performance conversion certification. Hartzell’s lightweight four-blade propeller measures 96 inches in diameter for reduced noise and improved runway clearance over the original three-blade propeller. This new Top Prop is also available as a factory option on new aircraft directly from Pilatus in Stans, Switzerland.
Hartzell STC for Piper Comanches
Hartzell Propeller was granted a Supplemental Type Certificate for a new aluminum alloy scimitar-blade prop for 1957-1964 Piper Comanches powered by Lycoming O-360-A1A engines. The two-blade scimitar shape features the same successful blade design already available for several Mooney and Diamond models, and kit planes such as Van’s RV series. The new two-blade propeller kit includes an aluminum hub and state-of-the-art 74” blended airfoil, swept-tip blades, plus a pointed composite spinner assembly.
Hartzell Scimitar for Cessna T206H
Hartzell Propeller’s scimitar aluminum propeller, designed for installation on production Cessna T206H Turbo Stationair aircraft, was certified during the year and became part of the company’s Top Prop aftermarket program. The three-blade unit improves aircraft performance significantly and has an 82” diameter, in contrast to Cessna’s original factory prop with a 79” diameter. The new propeller is also available with de-ice boots.
Red Bull Air Races Pick Hartzell Claw
Hartzell was selected by Red Bull Air Races as the propeller technical partner for the upcoming Red Bull Air Race World Championship motor-sport series. As the propeller partner, Hartzell will provide its three-blade structural composite propeller known as the Claw, carbon fiber composite spinners and lightweight governors to each race team. Hartzell will also provide complete propeller technical support and maintenance services for all of the entrants for races in the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Poland, the United Kingdom, the U.S. and China.
Team AeroDynamix, Hartzell Partner
Hartzell Propeller and Team AeroDynamix, the world’s largest formation aerobatic team, reached an agreement outlining a five-year partnership. As part of the agreement, Hartzell will make a significant investment in the air show team including advanced structural composite propellers, spinners, governors, and service through 2018.
20,000th Top Prop Sold
In July, Hartzell Propeller’s industry-leading Top Prop line of two-, three-, and four-bladed constant-speed propeller conversions reached the significant milestone of 20,000 unit sales. Top Prop was launched in 1991 to offer new, state-of-the-art, alternative replacement propellers for the maturing fleet of piston-engine aircraft.
Hartzell, RV8tors Team
Hartzell Propeller and the RV8tors formation aerobatic display team joined forces to demonstrate the performance of Hartzell’s advanced structural composite propeller across Europe. The RV8tors, pilots Alister Kay and Andy Hill, are one of the UK’s most popular display teams.
