MT Flight-Tests Propeller With 11 Blades On A Piper Cheyenne

Company developed experimental prop for use with turbine and electric power systems.

Thursday, December 29, 2022 at 11:21 AM ET

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MT tested its new 11-blade propeller on a Piper Cheyenne but said the design would also be well-suited for electric power systems. [Courtesy: MT-Propeller]

Key Takeaways:

MT-Propeller flight-tested an 11-blade propeller designed for turbine and electric power systems to advance propeller technology and efficiency.
The propeller, tested on a Piper PA-31T1, demonstrated a 15 percent increase in static thrust compared to a standard 5-blade propeller.
Testing also indicated promising results in reducing engine and propeller noise.
Still in development, the propeller aims to open new possibilities for performance, efficiency, and noise when combined with low RPM turbine or electric engines.

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MT-Propeller said it flight-tested a propeller with 11 blades as part of a continuing program to advance propeller technology and efficiency. While you might think the new product would look great on the nose of your Piper Saratoga, MT designed it with turbine and electric power systems in mind.

READ MORE: New Five-Blade Propeller Gains FAA STC for Cessna 206 Series

For the tests, the German company said it mounted the propeller on the right side of a Piper PA-31T1 powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-135A turbine engines. When the aircraft flew, MT said, the new propeller generated “an impressive noise and sound signature.”