Confirming the success of its Top Prop conversion programme for the past three decades, Hartzell Propeller will deliver its 30,000th replacement propeller under the marketing banner some time later this year.

Deposits are now being taken by Wipaire for the newly designed composite 110-inch diameter props available with or without TKS ice protection or electric de-ice boots. The prop is 19 pounds lighter than counterparts.

With its enormous load and off-airport capabilities, the Kodiak 100 will carry supplies for aerial tankers in wildfire operations. The NC Forest Service becomes the initial operator of this five-blade prop-equipped aircraft.