Hartzell Propeller Introduces New 2-Bladed Scimitar Top Props for Piper Aztec Aircraft

Hartzell Propeller has developed a new 2-bladed Top Prop propeller conversion kit for Piper PA-23-250 Aztec twin-engine aircraft. The cost-efficient conversion provides Aztec owners with improved reliability, performance and noise levels.

Hartzell Aztec Top Prop

The new 77-inch diameter propeller uses blade-mounted counter-weights to provide redundant assistance to the propeller pitch control and feathering system versus the original configuration that relies heavily on an air pressure charge for these functions. Hartzell says the unique swept-tip Scimitar "blended airfoil" blade design used in this conversion provides an increase in cruise speed of two to three knots as well as a noise reduction of almost 2 dB(a).

The new propellers are available for Piper Aztec PA-23-250 C to F models, serial numbers 27-2505 through to 27-8154030, installed with Lycoming IO-540-C4B5 or TIO-540-C1A engines. They replace Hartzell's 2-blade aluminum non-counter-weighted propeller models normally installed on these aircraft. Hartzell's Top Prop program manager, Mike Trudeau said, "Hartzell's new Top Prop conversion for Piper Aztec aircraft will provide owners with one of the most cost-efficient ways of improving aircraft value through improved reliability, performance and noise levels."

The kit can be ordered with either a 14 or 28 volt de-ice system and includes composite spinners. Total installed weight is 62 pounds per side. Installation time is reportedly just a few hours, and the conversion does not require any change to the propeller governors.

Available directly from Hartzell or through Hartzell's Top Prop dealers, the basic kit is offered at an introductory retail price of $21,950, with a three-year / 1,000-hour warranty and six-year / 2,400-hour TBO.

FMI: www.hartzellprop.com