In the past year, Hartzell Propeller has expanded its global reach across the spectrum of general aviation’s propeller equipped aircraft. Through a multiyear, multimillion dollar investment in advanced aerodynamics and manufacturing techniques using state-of-the-art composite and aerospace grade materials, the company today reigns as the industry leader as it begins its second century of propeller making.
“By focusing our attention on large fleets of turboprops and piston-driven aircraft, Hartzell continues to develop the highest performing and most up to date propellers that can be found anywhere on the planet,” said Hartzell Propeller President Joe Brown. “These investments are paying off in real-world performance increases for OEMs, and owners and operators that choose to fly Hartzell props,” he added.
On Display at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh
Many of these developments will be on display at Hartzell Propeller’s Booth 296-297 at the 2017 Experimental Aircraft Association’s AirVenture Oshkosh 2017, July 24-30.
At EAA, Hartzell Propeller will be celebrating a significant milestone – 100 years of building propellers, beginning with the wood propellers for the Wright Brothers, and culminating with the most modern and reliable high performance propellers available in 2017. That experience, built over the years in manufacturing and supporting more than 500,000 props for many aircraft types, is reflected in the company’s underlying foundation of Built on Honor.
On exhibit at AirVenture will be Hartzell’s 2-blade composite Trailblazer, 3-blade Bantam and Raptor applications, 4-blade aluminum and composite options, and 5-blade carbon fiber propellers for various aircraft models. Hartzell Propeller has been active since the 2016 EAA AirVenture with a number of developments, including:
Pilatus PC-12
Hartzell Propeller has delivered more than 50 new Top Prop 5-blade composite swept tip props for the Pilatus PC-12 fleet since introduction less than two years ago. In addition, Hartzell has delivered more than 160 of these propellers to Pilatus for new PC-12NG aircraft over that time period, bringing to more than 200 the total PC-12s flying with Hartzell’s carbon fiber 5-blade propellers.
New Pilatus PC-12 NG aircraft feature the specially designed 5-blade, 105-inch diameter composite propeller as standard equipment. The propellers are available under Hartzell Top Prop program for the Pilatus PC-12 fleet, which totals more than 1,500 business aircraft.
Supervan 900
Airplane modifier Texas Turbine Conversions has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for Hartzell Propeller’s 4-blade composite swept prop designed for single-engine Supervan 900™ aircraft.
This Hartzell and Texas Turbine collaboration links engine upgrades for converted Cessna Caravans with Hartzell’s structural composite propellers especially engineered for the Supervan 900. The 110-inch diameter propeller, which is 60 pounds lighter than the prop it replaces, blends advanced aerodynamics and sophisticated manufacturing processes to increase performance and deliver extraordinary reliability.
Piper M600
Hartzell Propeller’s new 5-blade composite swept tip prop has received FAA approval for installation on the Piper M600 turboprop aircraft. Hartzell’s propeller was designed specifically for the top-of-the-line Piper M600. It features thin, maximum efficiency airfoils providing increased performance and outstanding ramp appeal. This prop is also available on new Piper M500s, as well as the legacy Meridian and M500 fleets.
Cessna C-177RG Cardinal
Hartzell Propeller’s composite Trailblazer prop has received an STC for Cessna Cardinals through General Aviation Modifications Inc. (GAMI). The approval covers retractable gear normally aspirated and turbonormalized C-177RG Cardinals with IO-360s and IO-390s engines.
Hartzell also received a Top Prop STC for the Cessna Cardinal RG fleet featuring a blended airfoil 2-blade metal scimitar propeller. This conversion is available directly through Hartzell and the Top Prop program.
Super Cub
Hartzell Propeller’s 83-inch composite Trailblazer propeller has received an STC for Super Cub PA-12 and PA-18 aircraft. Hartzell Propeller worked closely with Professional Pilots Inc., which owns the STC, and is marketing the conversion program from its Lowell, Ind. facility.
HTT-40
Hartzell’s 4-blade lightweight aluminum propeller was selected by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) for its HTT-40 two-place turbine basic trainer aircraft. The new indigenous HTT-40 is designed and built by HAL.
Daher TBM
Hartzell Propeller has delivered over 230 advanced swept airfoil 5-blade props for Daher TBM 700/850/900/930 aircraft since FAA approval in 2014. Hartzell’s high performance structural composite propellers are now flying on roughly 30 percent of the entire Daher TBM fleet after less than three years on the market.
XCub
CubCrafters selected the Trailblazer as standard equipment on its newest Flagship the XCub. Trailblazer props are lighter, faster and stronger than any competitor. The unlimited life Hartzell Trailblazer features a field replaceable nickel-cobalt leading edge, ensuring it can withstand demanding backcountry and bush flying.
Top Prop Warranty
In an aviation industry first, Hartzell Propeller extended the warranty on its Top Prop conversion propellers all the way through first overhaul. This is the longest warranty for propellers offered anywhere in the general aviation industry.
Turbine Evolution
Evolution Aircraft completed extensive performance and noise testing confirming the performance improvements of the new Hartzell 5-blade composite swept tip constant speed prop for the Turbine Evolution. The new technology 82.5-inch diameter 5-blade propeller is available as an optional performance upgrade in place of the 4-blade Hartzell aluminum prop.
Cessna Caravan
Hundreds of single-engine Cessna Caravan 208 aircraft are now eligible for conversion to 3-blade aluminum props from Hartzell Propeller through an amended STC. The propeller is available with a TKS ice protection system approved for Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI).
