Hartzell Composite Prop’s Pitch Latch Function Eases Maneuverability On Water

Daher announced at the 2024 NBAA-BACE the latest enhancement to its Kodiak 100 aircraft by incorporating Hartzell Propeller’s 5-blade composite propeller with a pitch latch function for water operations.

Daher introduced the 5-blade prop on the Kodiak 100s in 2023, but the pitch latch function is new and enables the float-equipped aircraft to be more easily maneuvered on water with better control and safety because the prop can be set in a fine pitch position during engine startup and shutdown.

All Kodiak 100s are delivered from the Daher Sandpoint, Idaho, factory with the structural and operational enhancements required for water operations including being capable of the addition of Aerocet floats, with designed-in structural reinforcements necessary to support the unique loads encountered with water operations.

The five-blade propeller tailored for the Kodiak 100 is 6.6dB quieter, as it turns at 2,000 rpm for maximum torque. That is 200 rpm slower than the four-blade metal prop, which is advantageous in noise-sensitive areas and noise-abatement flight paths.

Nicolas Chabbert, CEO of Daher Aircraft, explained while announcing the new feature at the 2024 NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas, Nevada, "This marks another improvement for our multi-role Kodiak aircraft family, which is increasingly in demand by government agencies, commercial operators and private owners.”

FMI:  www.daher.com/ , www.kodiak.aero