McCauley Propeller Systems announced it has achieved certification for its three-blade Blackmac Carbon Series constant speed composite propeller. McCauley claims the Blackmac is the lightest propeller certified for engines producing up to 350 horsepower. “The low weight of the Blackmac Carbon Series propeller offers the ability to improve payload without compromising strength or weight in other areas,” said McCauley’s business leader Scott Howell.
The scimitar propeller blades are constructed out of a combination of carbon fiber and fiberglass with leading edges covered by electro-formed nickel for protection. In addition to the lightweight composite materials that make up the blades, the assembly weight for the system is reduced through a patented high-strength, low-weight continuous carbon loop blade retention system.
There is no set life limit for the Blackmac Carbon Series prop. Overhaul intervals are 2,400 hours or 72 months and the new propeller comes with a three-year or first overhaul labor warranty.
McCauley has been a subsidiary of Cessna Aircraft since the 1960s and the two companies now reside under the Textron Aviation umbrella. “As we continue to bring together the Cessna and Beechcraft companies and products under the Textron Aviation umbrella, we are looking at the opportunities for this propeller,” a Textron Aviation media representative said. The new Blackmac composite propeller will likely be offered on Cessna’s high performance single-engine propeller TTx, an airplane that is also produced with composite materials. Cessna’s single-engine Skyhawk and Stationair are both equipped with McCauley propellers.
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