Hartzell Propeller has secured an FAA type certificate (TC) for a new five blade carbon fibre propeller system for the King Air 200 fleet. This new propeller system, which increases performance across the board, is the first five-blade structural composite propeller certified on the King Air 200 series and will be available through Raisbeck Engineering via an STC for King Air 200, B200 and B200GT aircraft.

Noticeably quieter with a 30 per cent noise reduction throughout the aircraft and constructed of structural carbon fibre composite with nickel cobalt leading edges to protect against foreign object damage, the composite five blade swept propellers optimise airfoil efficiency, allowing for a larger 96-inch diameter propeller with less blade tip noise. Cruise performance is five to seven knots faster compared to original equipment propellers.

King Air operators will see an average of 48 pounds total weight savings versus OEM installed propellers, 16.5 per cent performance in runway acceleration, 48 per cent better in prop reverse and 25.8 per cent better in engine-out climb scenarios with flaps up. The propeller also features unlimited blade life, thereby lowering maintenance and overhaul costs.

Hartzell's TC validation paves the way for Raisbeck to acquire supplemental type certificate (STC) approval from the FAA and begin deliveries in November. “Raisbeck's singular focus has always been about performance and added value for aircraft owners,” says company president Lynn Thomas.

“This latest performance improvement for the King Air 200 series extends the longstanding and excellent relationship between the two companies,” says Hartzell executive vice president and general manager JJ Frigge. “We are pleased to provide another advanced design, high performance propeller system for owners and operators of the venerable King Air turboprops.”

Hartzell Propeller utilises the strength of lightweight structural composites and robotic manufacturing technologies to optimise propeller performance in all flight phases.

Raisbeck also offers King Air 200 aircraft owners and operators the option of an aluminum four blade swept propeller, also aerodynamically designed to provide more thrust with less noise.