Hartzell earns place for its ASC-II composite propellers on Van’s R V kit planes

Citation

(2009), "Hartzell earns place for its ASC-II composite propellers on Van’s R V kit planes", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 81 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2009.12781dad.008

Hartzell earns place for its ASC-II composite propellers on Van’s R V kit planes

Article Type: Equipment and software From: Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, Volume 81, Issue 4

Van’s Aircraft, a major company in kitplane manufacture with more than 6,000 aircraft completed and flying, is now offering Hartzell Propeller’s new ASC-II “true-composite” constant speed propellers for application on its current line of offerings powered by Lycoming IO-320, IO-360 and IO-540 engines. Van’s RV-4, RV-6, RV-7 will accept Hartzell 2-blade props, while the RV-10 with the IO-540 power plant takes a three-blade unit.

Hartzell’s true-composite blades comprise a proprietary layup of carbon fiber, Kevlar and metal, with stainless steel leading edges and de-icing systems, as specified. The props weigh between 12 and 16 lb less than metal blade equivalents.

Additionally, even though Van’s aircraft are licensed “experimental” testing by Hartzell necessary for FAA certification allows the fly-off requirement to be reduced to 25 h, from the 40 h required for experimental propellers, and as long as the prop is mounted to a certified engine.

One benefit claimed of lower blade weight is that the prop hub itself is subjected to much lower centrifugal forces, allowing Hartzell to reduce the structure and weight of the prop hub, by more than 4 lb.

Composites also said to allow a wide range of customized blade profiles and shapes for smoother, quieter and aerodynamically-superior performance.

Ron Hickman, President of Advanced Flight Systems Inc., who make glass-panel avionics systems for experimental aircraft, confirmed, “Everyone who has flown in my RV-10 with the Hartzell ASC-II composite propeller says it’s the smoothest single engine plane they have ever flown in.”

“The new Hartzell composite propeller has also made a remarkable difference in the flying qualities of my RV-4. It’s incredibly smooth and the 1 2 lbs I saved over the old propeller makes a noticeable difference in how well it flies.”

Mike Disbrow, Hartzell’s Senior Vice-President, Marketing and Business Development, said the warranty (1 year, 1,000 h) and TBO (6 years/2,400 h) on the Van’s applications match those on certificated aircraft if the kitplane’s engine is factory-certificated.

“We have plans to expand our line of composite props after years of research and development with carbon and Kevlar materials,” Disbrow said. “Every pound saved is weight you don’t have to fly around for the life of the airplane. Apart from the benefits of smoothness, lower noise and enhanced performance, it adds up to significant fuel savings,” he added.

For more details please contact: Hartzell Propellors Tel.:+1 937 778 4310.