Hartzell Propeller Receives STC For Conversion
The FAA has granted an STC to Hartzell Propeller that covers a
new 3-bladed propeller conversion kit for the Beechcraft Baron 55
fleet. This new Top Prop conversion provides Beechcraft Baron
owners with improved reliability, added performance and decreased
noise levels.
Top Prop program manager Mike Trudeau says, "In our continuing
quest to provide customers with the most advanced propeller
designs, Hartzell's aero engineering team has engineered these
propellers with superior performance and improved aesthetics in
mind." This same 7391 'Scimitar' blade was the choice of Hawker
Beechcraft for the celebrated 50th' anniversary special edition G58
Baron, and is currently offered as optional equipment on the HBC
production line. Now, it's available as a Top Prop kit to enhance
all 55 models, as well as earlier 58s from 1970 to the present.
The new Hartzell Top Prop kit features Scimitar aluminum alloy
blades, derived from Hartzell's Reno Super Sport race-winning
design, provide an increased ground clearance as well as a noise
reduction of 5.8 dB(a), as compared to their original 84" 2-blade,
and 1.1 dB(a) lower that the 76" standard 3-blade props.
Installation of the propeller typically results in a 2- to 4-knot
increase in speed at high power settings when compared to the
originally installed propellers.
The new propeller kit is available for Beech Baron models 95-55,
95-A55, 95-B55, 95-B55A, 95-B55B, 95-C55, 95-C55A, D55, D55A, E55
and E55A. Available directly from Hartzell or through Hartzell's
Top Prop dealers, the 2011 list price for these kits, which include
new pointed, polished aluminum spinner assemblies, range from
$21,500 to $26,850 depending on propeller model and
equipment. Kits are available with 14V or 28V de-icing
systems or fully compatible alcohol anti-ice systems with newly
designed slingers and stainless steel travel tubes. The new
propellers carry the exclusive Hartzell warranty, which delivers a
full three years or 1000 hours of coverage, and have a
six-year/2400 hour TBO.
With more than 18,000 Top Prop conversions sold, Hartzell offers
pilots one of the easiest and most economical methods for improving
the value of their aircraft. More than 70 different Beechcraft,
Cessna, Commander, Diamond, Mooney, Piper, and SOCATA kits are
currently available, making the Top Prop family the largest and
most complete propeller conversion offerings in the world.