Also Marks Company's First FIKI-Approval For ASC-II

The latest addition to Hartzell Propeller's Top Prop line up is their second generation, advanced composite propeller now STC'd and available for Piper PA46 Matrix and Mirage piston-engine aircraft.

Hartzell tells ANN three-blade propellers offer significant weight savings, through a combination of carbon fiber and Kevlar blades and its new lightweight aluminum hub, saving nearly 11 pounds on the nose versus Hartzell's first generation composite prop currently standard on these aircraft. A significant price reduction over the original composite propellers for the Piper Mirage is also a key driver of the offering, according to the company.

Additionally, this is Hartzell's first certification for the ASC-II approved for flight into known ice (FIKI) with its electrothermal de-ice system installed. Hartzell's ASC-II advanced composite blades comprise a proprietary layup of carbon fiber and Kevlar with an integral stainless steel shank and co-molded electroformed nickel leading edges.

Given the location of the propeller, the weight reduction allows a seven-gallon increase in fuel capacity in the extreme-forward CG case, which adds up to 30 minutes of flight time at the economy cruise power setting, or approximately 90 miles further range at 18,000 ft. Cruise performance was measured on-average nearly two knots faster than published POH speeds.

Flight testing also showed the use of the propeller reduced cylinder head temperatures (CHT) and oil temps in a Vy best-climb speed by approximately 6°F and high-altitude cruise oil temperature by approximately 15°F.

"The reduced price combined with benefits in performance, weight savings and lower noise are matching our predicted targets for our ASC-II product line," said Mike Trudeau, Hartzell Top Prop program manager. "Top Props, whether composite or aluminum, are leading the constant speed propeller market by a wide and ever-increasing margin, thanks to customer feedback and intensive investments in R&D."

FMI: www.hartzellprop.com, www.piper.com