Hartzell Specially Designed 5-Blade Prop for PC-12 Passes 200 Milestone

Hartzell Propeller delivers 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-12NG 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, ID, 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-12NG cruises five knots faster with the five-blade Hartzell propeller, climbs to a cruise altitude of 28,000 feet 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," says Hartzell Propeller executive vice president, J.J. Frigge. He adds 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.