EASA TC Also Covers Aluminum-Bladed Props

Hartzell Propeller Inc. announced Monday it has received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval for its three-bladed ASC-II propeller. The approval also marks the first US propeller manufacturer to receive an EASA Type Certificate.

The new certification applies to all Hartzell J3F Compact Series 3-bladed propellers, including the PHC-J3YF-1N/N7605 ASC-II propeller, which is currently installed on the Cirrus SR22.

Introduced last year at AirVenture, the Hartzell ASC-II consists of a monocoque structure of advanced composite materials. It features a carbon/Kevlar laminate, which is integrated into a co-molded stainless steel shank. The outboard half of the leading edge is protected with a co-molded electroformed nickel erosion shield. Aluminum mesh is embedded into the laminate for lightning protection.

Hartzell notes the ASC-II is the only certified advanced structural composite propeller in the GA market. The prop has proven its durability in testing, which included surviving a simulated encounter with a four pound bird at rotation, taking a direct hit of 200,000 amps of electricity to prove that it can survive an encounter with lightning, and withstanding a direct pull of 132,000 pounds reaching the limit of the test fixture without failing (6.8 times the normal Cf load) to demonstrate a safety margin in the event of an engine overspeed.

These special tests were performed in addition to the normal battery of fatigue and endurance tests designed to demonstrate that the propeller will have a long useful life and flight tests that ensure stress levels fall within allowable limits for safety.

FMI: www.hartzellprop.com