New, Composite Prop for Austro E4-A-Powered DA40s

Hartzell Propeller has received a supplemental type certificate (STC) from the FAA to replace the standard wood/composite propeller on Diamond DA40 NG aircraft with the new, three-bladed, lightweight, Polaris composite propellers.

Operators of the diesel/jet-fuel-powered iteration of Diamond’s popular, four-place, single-engine utility airplane shall henceforth enjoy a new, higher-performance option when it comes to a propeller/engine combinations.
Hartzell’s 74-inch diameter, three-blade ASCII carbon-fiber prop features a lightweight Bantam aluminum hub and 2,400-hour / six-year TBO, with Hartzell's warranty through first overhaul.

The propeller delivers low weight, low inertia, and low life cycle costs. Additionally, it provides the all-weather durability, reliability, and peace of mind of a true, carbon-fiber composite propeller system that’s been proven on multiple platforms.

The conversion kit—formally, Hartzell's Top Prop performance conversion kit—includes the propeller, a white or metallic-silver composite spinner, and STC documentation. Hartzell asserts DA40 NGs retrofitted with the conversion will realize improved climb performance, two to three KTAS faster cruise, and diminished (74.1 dB) noise levels. The kit  sells for $24,613.

The STC is limited to DA40 NGs equipped with the MÄM 40-434, cowling redesign, or the OÄM 40-310 with the exhaust system with muffler.

Hartzell Propeller President JJ Frigge states, “Finding the best combination of propeller and aircraft engine is a precise art, which is why we went with this extremely lightweight but durable Polaris propeller that enhances performance for the DA40 NG.”

Frigge cited the installation of Hartzell propellers on other diesel platforms—such as the Cessna 172 with the Continental diesel engine—and put forth that his company has propellers in development to serve additional manufacturers and airframes incorporating diesel technology.

FMI: www.hartzellprop.com