Wipaire and Hartzell—two of the biggest names in the float-flying world—have concluded testing of a new four-bladed carbon composite propeller designed for Cessna Caravans on Wipaire floats, the company announced this week.
The Yukon propeller was on display at the 2023 Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo, gracing the nose of a Cessna Caravan at Wipaire’s display.
The prototype of the propeller was introduced last summer at EAA AirVenture, prompting curiosity about the propeller’s performance.
“There is up to a 26 percent decrease in total take-off distance from land and up to a 31 percent decrease from water,” according to JJ Frigge, president of Hartzell Propeller. “This translates into safer take off and landings on smaller lakes and shorter runways.”
The propeller allows for an increase in cruise speed at lower power settings, Fridge said, adding, “up to 2 knots faster, saving fuel while increasing speed. Another big improvement is in weight. Coming in at 137 pounds, it is up to 19 pounds lighter than other available props.”
The Yukon prop on display at the Sun ‘n Fun airshow was mounted on a Wipaire Caravan 208B with the Blackhawk -140 engine conversion.
The company noted there is no change in stall speeds with the new propeller. The design is available with TKS, electric de-ice boots or without icing equipment, and optional pitch locks.
The Yukon is designed for use on Pratt & Whitney PT6A-114A shp and PT6A-140 867 shp engines, and can be used on either the 208 and 208B either with floats or on wheels.
“We are ready to take deposits and, depending on the FAA, we expect to have our STC later this year,” says Chuck Wiplinger, president and CEO of Wipaire.
