Hartzell Propeller and Raisbeck Engineering have secured US supplemental type certification (STC) for a five-blade, composite swept propeller on the Beechcraft King Air 200 series, and are preparing the first twin-engined turboprop for modification and redelivery in December.
Hartzell Propeller and Raisbeck Engineering have secured US supplemental type certification (STC) for a five-blade, composite swept propeller on the Beechcraft King Air 200 series, and are preparing the first twin-engined turboprop for modification and redelivery in December.
Significantly quieter than previous four-blade aluminium designs, with a 30% noise reduction throughout the aircraft, the new propellers are made from structural carbonfibre composite with nickel cobalt leading edges, to protect against foreign object damage, says Raisbeck. Optimised aerofoil efficiency also allows for a larger 2.43m (96in) diameter propeller, with less blade tip noise.
This gives King Air operators an average of 22kg (48lb) in total weight savings compared with OEM-installed propellers, a 15% increase in take-off acceleration and 20% faster climb rate, Raisbeck says.
The propeller also has unlimited blade life, lowering maintenance and overhaul costs.
Cirium Fleets data records a global inventory of more than 2,000 King Air 200-series aircraft, including the 200, B200, B200GT and 250.
Raisbeck Engineering
Certification for the upgrade is now being sought from Transport Canada and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, says Raisbeck.
