Enhanced performance from new Hartzell Top Prop

Citation

(2002), "Enhanced performance from new Hartzell Top Prop", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 74 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2002.12774cad.015

Enhanced performance from new Hartzell Top Prop

Keywords: Aircraft, Equipment

Hartzell Propeller has announced that its new Top Prop three-blade propeller conversion for the Piper PA28-236 Dakota has been awarded a Supplemental Type Certificate by the FAA and is now available (Plate 6).

Plate 6 Hartzell Propeller has announced that its new three-blade conversion for the Piper PA28-236 Dakota has been awarded a Supplemental Type Certificate by the FAA and is now available for enhanced performance and smoother, quieter operation

The new 78-inch diameter propeller replaces the original equipment 80-inch diameter two-bladed prop. In certification tests, this new prop was reportedly found to improve acceleration for reduced take-off rolls, increase climb rates through 7,000 feet and to match or exceed cruise levels. Most importantly, pilots are stated to be reporting that the new Top Prop three-blade improves cabin and flyover noise as well as reduces cabin vibrations. Improvement in overall cabin noise and vibration is very beneficial in reducing fatigue associated with longer crosscountry flights.

Comprised of aluminum Scimitar blades with a novel combination of airfoil design and tip sweep, the propeller is said to be gaining widespread acceptance for high all-around performance. The curved propeller blades utilise a high lift series of airfoils at mid-blade sections to enhance aircraft take-off and provide superior climb performance. According to Hartzell a combination of tip sweep and a series of airfoils at the tip sections cause lower transonic drag, resulting in a very low noise signature. This proprietary blend of airfoils also claims to generate excellent cruise performance.

The added blade along with the highly swept blade planform provides the Dakota with a much more aggressive look. In addition, the Top Prop three-blade's smaller diameter provides greater ground clearance for reduced tip erosion. As with all Top Prop kits, the new Dakota kit comes with a three- year extended warranty and an expanded 2400 hour/6 year TBO.

In addition to the Dakota, Hartzell uses this blade design for several other applications. It was the same one used by Bruce Bohannon to set world time-to climb records on the Exxon Flying' Tiger and is original equipment on the 260hp model Maules, the Micco SP26 and the SOCATA TB20 Trinidad and TB21 Trinidad TC. It is also used for several Top Prop conversion kits including the Piper Cherokee 235, Cherokee Six-260, the SOCATA TB20 Trinidad and TB21 Trinidad TC aircraft.

Details available from: Hartzell Propeller, Inc. Tel: +1 937 778 5726; Fax: +1 937 778 4215; E-mail: topprop@hartzellprop.com