Five-Blade Composite Prop Replaces Standard Aluminum Model

Under a recently approved STC, Hartzell Propeller’s five-blade composite propeller for Daher’s Kodiak 100 aircraft will be available as both a factory option and for retrofit under Hartzell’s Top Prop program. Subject propeller can replace the four-blade aluminum Hartzell prop currently offered as standard equipment on Kodiak 100s.

The joint Daher-Hartzell development was announced by French plane-maker Daher on Tuesday, 28 March 2023 at Lakeland, Florida’s SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo. The aerodynamic design of the new propeller’s carbon fiber blades allows cruise revolutions to be reduced from 2,200 to 2,000 RPM, thereby contemporaneously reducing noise and producing smoother operations with zero loss in climb-rate and/or cruise performance.

Daher Aircraft senior vice-president Nicolas Chabbert stated: “Daher Kodiak is quite enthusiastic to offer this five-blade carbon fiber Hartzell propeller as an option on the Kodiak 100. It provides a significant upgrade in performance, noise signature, and ramp appeal, and is consistent with the latest composite propeller technology that Hartzell developed for the Kodiak 900.”

Hartzell Propeller President JJ Frigge set forth: “This new lightweight propeller option gives Kodiak 100 pilots a five-percent shorter takeoff roll, with less vibration and even quieter flights. We have worked with Daher for years on their TBM platform, and we are very pleased to continue our partnership with them, enabling their STOL Kodiak to perform even better with a new, customized five-blade composite Hartzell prop.”

Compared to the current standard Kodiak 100 propeller, Hartzell’s new prop for Daher’s rugged, backcountry machine occasions a significant six dB(A) noise reduction. Flyover noise, as measured during the STC flight test program, was 77 dB(A) lower than the EASA requirement of 85 dB(A), and less than the strict German requirement of 78 dB(A).

Hartzell’s new 96-inch diameter prop saves 13-pounds of rotating mass by utilizing the company’s Raptor propeller system and carbon fiber blades. The new prop also includes anti-ice and maintains Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI) status.

The five-blade propeller upgrade is available immediately as a factory option on new Kodiak 100s and via the Hartzell Top Prop conversion program for the entire installed base of Kodiak 100 aircraft.  

FMI: www.hartzellprop.com