Tue, Jun 06, 2017
Offers Significant Improvements In Takeoff, Climb, Cruise Performance, Company Says
Hartzell Propeller has delivered more than 50 new Top Prop five-blade composite swept tip props for the Pilatus PC-12 fleet since introduction 18 months ago. In addition, Hartzell has delivered more than 160 of the new propellers to Pilatus for new PC-12NG aircraft over that time period, bringing to more than 200 the total PC-12s flying with Hartzell's new five-blade propellers.
New Pilatus PC-12 NG aircraft feature the specially designed five-blade, 105-inch diameter composite propeller as standard equipment. The propellers are available under Hartzell Top Prop program for the Pilatus PC-12 fleet, which totals more than 1,400 business aircraft.
Hartzell will have technical experts on hand to discuss the propeller at the upcoming Pilatus Owners and Pilots Association (POPA) Annual Convention June 8-10 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho at The Coeur' d'Alene Golf and Spa Resort. The new structural composite five-blade propeller is lighter than alternative wood core five-blade propellers and seven pounds lighter than a four-blade aluminum propeller.
The PC-12 NG cruises five kts faster with the five-blade Hartzell propeller, climbs to a cruise altitude of 28,000 ft 10 percent quicker and has a 50-foot reduction in total takeoff distance. Its highly swept airfoil reduces flyover and cabin noise and its blades are certified for unlimited life.
"The Pilatus PC-12 with Hartzell's aerodynamic five-blade prop gives owners and operators excellent performance and reliability," said Hartzell Propeller Executive Vice President JJ Frigge. He added that Hartzell offers the new composite five-blade Pilatus prop with its industry leading Top Prop warranty through first overhaul (6 years or 4,000 hours).
Hartzell's Structural composite propeller utilizes aerospace grade carbon fiber and is five to 10 times stronger than beech and spruce wood core propellers. Stronger materials permit thinner, wider airfoils that optimize performance.
The propeller's state of the art wedge shank retention system made of stainless steel alloy is more robust than alternative lag bolt and aluminum construction. Further, it has a nickel cobalt leading edge with a stainless steel mesh erosion screen providing durability and FOD protection.
(Image provided with Hartzell Propeller media release)
More News
Pilot Also Reported That Due To A Fuel Leak, The Auxiliary Fuel Tanks Were Not Used On June 4, 2025, at 13:41 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-23, N2109P, was substantially damage>[...]
Have A Story That NEEDS To Be Featured On Aero-News? Here’s How To Submit A Story To Our Team Some of the greatest new stories ANN has ever covered have been submitted by our>[...]
From 2023 (YouTube Edition): Reflections on War’s Collective Lessons and Cyclical Nature The exigencies of war ought be colorblind. Inane social-constructs the likes of racis>[...]
Aero Linx: Colorado Pilots Association (CPA) Colorado Pilots Association was incorporated as a Colorado Nonprofit Corporation in 1972. It is a statewide organization with over 700 >[...]
High Speed Taxiway A long radius taxiway designed and provided with lighting or marking to define the path of aircraft, traveling at high speed (up to 60 knots), from the runway ce>[...]
NTSB Prelim: Piper PA-23
See All