Tue, Apr 07, 2009
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."
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