Texas Turbine Conversions, working with Hartzell Propeller, has received FAA approval to allow Supervan conversion customers to choose either structural composite props or more economical aluminium props as part of their conversion package.

“Now Cessna Caravan owners and operators with the Supervan turboprop conversion can choose between a 110-inch diameter structural composite prop, or the more economical 109.5 diameter aluminium option,” explains Hartzell Propeller president JJ Frigge. “Both propellers are four-blade and offer a 60 pound or 25 pound weight savings respectively over the original Supervan propeller, and they both can get Hartzell Propeller's six year, 4,000 hours TBO.”

Texas Turbine Conversions president Bobby Bishop adds: “Hartzell has provided outstanding support for our engine conversion programme and our customers by developing both aluminium and composite propellers designed to maximise the performance of the Supervan conversion. The result is a true 200 plus knot aircraft, with a 40 per cent reduction in takeoff roll and a substantially greater rate of climb.”

The combination of the Honeywell 950 shaft horsepower TPE331 engines and the Hartzell Propellers further distances the Supervan-modified 208 and 208B Caravans from other Caravans available on the market. Both the composite and aluminium propellers were designed specifically for the Honeywell engine by Hartzell's engineering team.

Texas Turbine Conversions has modified aircraft with the Honeywell (Garrett) TPE331 engines for over 25 years. The company holds multiple STCs for engine modifications on numerous aircraft platforms.

Currently specialising in Cessna 208/208B Caravans, CASA 212-200 Aviocar and DeHavilland DHC-3 Otters, the company has modified and delivered over 200 aircraft all over the world.