Daher has integrated a pitch latch function to the Hartzell five-blade composite propeller on its Kodiak 100 aircraft for water operations on floats; it enables float-equipped aircraft to be easily manoeuvred on water with greater control and safety because the propeller can be set in a fine pitch position during engine startup and shutdown.

“This marks another improvement for our multi-role Kodiak aircraft family, which is increasingly in demand by government agencies, commercial operators and private owners,” explains Nicolas Chabbert, CEO of Daher Aircraft.

All Kodiak 100s are delivered from Daher’s Sandpoint, Idaho factory with the structural and operational enhancements for water operations, including the capability of being equipped with Aerocet floats, along with the application of a special skin gap filler sealant for enhanced corrosion protection in high salinity environments, as well as designed-in structural reinforcements necessary to support the unique loads associated with water landings.

The composite five-blade propeller with pitch latch function can also be retrofitted on in-service Kodiak 100s via the Hartzell Top Prop programme.

Tailored specifically for use on Kodiak 100s, this five-blade composite propeller incorporates Hartzell’s lightweight Raptor propeller hub technology. In addition to being 13lbs lighter than the four-blade metal propeller, the new five-blade version reduces the Kodiak 100s ground take off roll by six per cent at maximum gross weight. Additionally, the propeller is durable by design, with a TBO (time between overhaul) of 4,000 hours/six years and an industry-leading warranty of six years or up to 4,000 hours.

Among the composite propeller blades’ key features are the durable nickel-cobalt leading edge, a nickel erosion screen for FOD (foreign object debris) protection, urethane paint for improved erosion protection and the use of aerospace-grade carbon fibre.

The propeller is also 6.6dB quieter, turning at 2,000rpm for a maximum torque, which is 200rpm slower than the four-blade metal propeller, providing an operational advantage in noise-sensitive areas. This slower rotation speed reduces vibration aboard the aircraft as well and lowers flyover noise to well within EASA’s stringent 78dB(A) requirement. At a diameter of 96 inches, the five-blade composite propeller has a ground clearance of 20 inches when the Kodiak 100 is equipped with floats.