Piper Aircraft and Hartzell Propeller are working together on approval for a five-blade composite propeller for the Piper Meridian and M500 through a supplemental type certificate (STC).
The STC for both Piper models is anticipated by the end of the fourth quarter of this year, the companies said at EAA AirVenture 2015 in Oshkosh.
“The Hartzell Propeller five-bladed prop was designed to enhance flight performance,” said Piper Vice President of Sales and Marketing Drew McEwen. “This composite prop will help increase climb rate and decrease noise, with the added benefit of elevating ramp aesthetics. It is a win, win, win for our products,” he added.
The carbon fiber five-blade composite propeller will be offered as a factory option on Piper M500. Piper Meridians already in the field can upgrade to the new prop through the STC.
Hartzell said the new propeller blades are five to 10 times stronger than wood core blades. They feature a stainless steel shank, nickel cobalt leading edge, and mesh erosion screen for FOD protection. Hartzell’s latest Piper 5-blade design is also 15 pounds lighter than the current factory installed propeller and 10 pounds lighter than similar wood core propellers.
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