Composite Blades May Now Spin Upfront On RVs

Homebuilt aircraft giant Van's Aircraft recently started offering Hartzell Propeller's new ASC-II "advanced composite" constant speed propellers for application on its current line of offerings. Van's RV models powered by Lycoming -360 engines will accept the new Hartzell 2-blade ASC-II composite props, while the RV-10 with Lycoming -540 power plants can use the new 3-blade composite propeller.

Hartzell's composite blades comprise a proprietary layup of carbon fiber and Kevlar, with co-molded electroformed nickel leading edges and an integral stainless steel shank. Hartzell's 2-bladed ASC-II propeller is 16 pounds lighter than its 2-bladed aluminum counterpart. The 3-blade composite propeller for the RV-10 adds a blade over the Hartzell 2-blade blended airfoil prop with only a 10 pound weight penalty.

"Everyone who has flown in my RV-10 with the Hartzell ASC-II composite propeller says that it's the smoothest single engine plane they have ever flown in," said Rob Hickman, president of Advanced Flight Systems Inc. "The new Harzell composite propeller has also made a remarkable difference in the flying qualities of my RV-4. It's incredibly smooth and the 16 lbs I saved over the old propeller makes a noticeable difference in how well it flies."

Mike Disbrow, Hartzell's senior vice-president, marketing and business development, said the warranty (1 year, 1,000 hours) and TBO (6 years/2,400 hours) on the Van's applications match those on certificated aircraft.

"We have plans to expand our line of composite props after years of research and development with carbon and Kevlar materials," Disbrow said. "Every pound saved is weight you don't have to fly around for the life of the airplane. Apart from the benefits of smoothness, lower noise and performance, it adds up to significant fuel savings."

Builders are able to order these propellers direct from Van's Aircraft. Van's lists the 2-blade, model numbers HC-C2YR-1N/N7605-2 or -4, at $10,920, while the 3-blade, model number HC-C3YR-1N/N7605 is $15,220.

FMI: www.hartzellprop.com, www.vansaircraft.com