Hartzell Propeller Develops New 3-Blade ASC-II Composite Propeller

Hartzell Propeller Inc. has developed a new 3-blade ASC-II composite propeller for Van's Aircraft RV-10. The new prop is four pounds lighter than Hartzell's previous model due to the certification of a lighter-weight hub. It's available to order directly through Van's Aircraft. Hartzell will deliver the first of its new props to Van's Aircraft in August, 2012.

Hartzell’s 3-bladed composite propeller noticeably improves the smoothness of flight on the RV-10 when compared to the 2-bladed aluminum propeller. The ASC-II’s proprietary blade design features a carbon fiber monocoque construction with co-molded leading edges of electroformed nickel for erosion resistance.
Gus Funnell, Van’s Aircraft, technical support, said, “Hartzell’s 2-bladed blended airfoil prop for the RV-10 is a great performer and their new lightweight 3-blade composite propeller is noticeably smoother without giving up much performance. We’re happy to offer our customers either option directly through our catalog to our customers, worldwide.

“This new propeller for Van’s Aircraft RV-10 knocks four pounds off our previous model," said Mike Disbrow, Hartzell’s senior vp, marketing and customer service. A weight saving like this, at the front of the aircraft, can make a significant difference to the plane’s Center of Gravity (CG) and loading.”

FAA Type Certification of the propeller also reduces owners’ fly-off requirements so they can get in the air sooner. When mounted to a certified engine, such as the Lycoming IO-540, fly-off requirements are reduced to 25 hours, instead of 40 hours, which is the standard for experimental aircraft like the RV-10.

Available for order through Van’s Aircraft, the 2012 catalog list price is $16,070; and it’s offered with a one-year or 1,000-hour Hartzell warranty, as well as a six-year/2,400-hour TBO. The propeller assembly with the new lightweight hub weighs approximately 55 pounds.

Hartzell Propeller is widely recognized as the leader in advanced propeller design and manufacturing technology. The company has developed the next generation of propellers based upon innovative “blended airfoil” technology and is manufacturing these blades using a combination of revolutionary machining centers and robotics; and with its new ASC-II composite technology, to provide mission-optimized performance for its customers.

(Image provided by Hartzell)

FMI: www.hartzellprop.com