Seattle-based Raisbeck Engineering is working with Hartzell Propeller on a new project for the King Air 350, bringing a swept blade propeller design to the largest model of Beechcraft's twin turboprop. Two versions are in development: a five-blade composite and a four-blade aluminum propeller.
Raisbeck said the four-blade aluminum prop is close to achieving FAA certification, which is expected by month end. Meanwhile, the company will begin flight testing the composite propeller once the aluminum version is done. Raisbeck expects certification on the five-blade composite version in November.
The propellers are derivatives of the swept blade props already under STC for the King Air 90 and 200. Raisbeck plans to open up its order book for the new propellers at the NBAA Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in Las Vegas in November and expects to deliver the first new props in January.
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