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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 for unmatched
durability and FOD protection. |
