First Swept Prop Installed On The Very Fast Turboprop

EASA has validated Hartzell Propeller's SCT for installation of advanced swept airfoil structural composite five-blade propellers on TBM 700/850 aircraft.

First installation of the new higher performance Hartzell prop on a European registered aircraft was performed recently at the Socata North America, Inc., Service Center in Pembroke Pines, Fla.

"Hartzell Propeller's newest design for the TBM turboprop results in faster takeoff acceleration, higher cruise speeds and better climb, along with less noise, all extremely important for European flying," said Hartzell Propeller President Joe Brown. Brown added, "The strong structural composite construction of these carbon fiber blades and their sleek aerodynamic design boosts the TBM's already impressive performance to an even higher level."

With the new Hartzell propeller, the TBM's takeoff acceleration from zero to 90 knots is 10 percent faster than with any other available propeller. Hartzell's new propeller also provides for a couple hundred-feet-per-minute faster climb rate. Cruise is two knots faster than the Hartzell four-blade metal prop, and a full five knots faster than a less-advanced five-blade wood-based propeller option. The new Hartzell five-blade prop is also significantly quieter in the cabin and in the pattern. It has no placards or restrictions allowing low/high idle operation. 

Hartzell received FAA and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Type Certificate (TC) approval for the propeller in 2013. Hartzell offers the new prop with a "Plus 3" warranty, which covers the propeller for a full three years or 1,000 hours, and a 3,600-hour/six-year TBO. The new propeller is available directly through Hartzell's Top Prop conversion program.

Hartzell's proprietary resin-injected carbon fiber blades are five to 10 times stronger than beech wood and spruce construction. The thinner airfoil, which is possible due to carbon fiber's greater strength, makes the improved TBM performance possible.

The new five-blade design features a composite wedge retention into its stainless steel alloy shank rather than aluminum and lag screw construction used in wood based propellers. Hartzell incorporates an innovative nickel erosion mesh and field replaceable nickel-cobalt erosion shield to prevent foreign object damage to its unlimited life blades.

FMI: www.hartzellprop.com