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Raisbeck, Hartzell Unveil Swept King Air Prop

Design boosts takeoff and landing performance.

Working in total secrecy for the past three years, Raisbeck Engineering and Hartzell Propeller have teamed to develop and certify an all new swept-wing propeller that the companies claim offers greatly improved FAA-certified takeoff, climb and landing performance.

The effort has culminated with FAA certification of the Raisbeck/Hartzell Swept Turbofan Propeller for the King Air 200/B200/B200GT. The new four-blade props are expected to be available to King Air owners starting in March, the companies said.

The unusual propeller design incorporates aluminum blades and hubs to keep both weight and cost to a minimum, Raisbeck noted. Propeller diameter has been increased to 96 inches, two inches longer than Raisbeck’s current King Air 200 family props and three inch longer than the factory props. Overhaul time is 4,000 hours/six years.

Raisbeck says much of the low-speed performance increase occurs from the larger prop diameter, while the high-speed (and high propeller Mach) improvements and a slight reduction in cockpit and cabin noise are attributable to the swept-back blade design.

According to Raisbeck, the swept props decrease takeoff distance at max gross weight by more than 1,000 feet, from 3,300 feet to 2,150 feet. Rate of climb increases from 2,440 feet per minute to 2,500 fpm. Approach speed is reduced by seven knots, allowing a King Air 200 fitted with the swept props to land in 1,990 feet versus 2,600 feet with factory props.

Price for a shipset of two swept propellers from the Hartzell factory is $83,400.

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