Press Release

Issued by MT-Propeller .

July 18, 2018

The world's first seven-blade composite full feathering reversing propeller for general aviation airplanes is in certification testing.

At the beginning of May 2018 MT-Propeller tested the new unducted prop fan, as MT likes to call the seven bladed prop, on a Pilatus PC-12 powered by a PT6A-67P. The flight tests showed that the seven-bladed prop clearly reduces noise levels and the performance tests showed very promising results. MT-Propeller is now in technical talks with the turbine engine manufacturer for customizing the gear box to reduce fuel consumption and to get the best out of the unducted prop fan.

Back in October 2016 MT-Propeller egineers and test pilots started flight testing the seven-bladed propeller on a Piper Cheyenne powered by PT6A-135A turbines and the entire system performed with outstanding results. The endurance tests for certification were successfully performed on a turbine test bench for three months and 110 hrs. 

All test bench tests inclusive flight testing have now accumulated more than 250 hrs of operation on the seven bladed prop series.

MT-Propeller is working with high priority for the worldwide propeller certification and the first OEM has already ordered the seven bladed propellers for a new project.

With more than 20,000 propellers systems and 70,000 blades in service, which have accumultated 150 millon flying hours, MT-Propeller will continue pushing the propeller powered airplanes. Worldwide, more than 210 STCs are available, and 62 factory certified service centres provide best service all over the world.

MT-Propeller is the world leading natural composite propeller manufacturer with 30 propeller models from two-blade to seven-blade hydraulically controlled variable pitch propellers for engines producing up to 5000hp, and two-blade to four-blade electrically controlled variable pitch propellers for engines producing up to 350hp as well as two blade fixed pitch propellers.

The high performance, light weight and durable MT-Propellers can be used on aircraft with piston engines and propeller turbines, as well as on airships, wind tunnels or hovercraft. MT-Propellers can be developed for nearly every aircraft type from motor gliders to regional airliners.

Fulfilling the highest certifications requirements they are also supplemental type certified on Part 25 aircraft.