Hartzell Propeller, Raisbeck Engineering debut composite-blade props

Hartzell Propeller and Raisbeck Engineering are collaborating on new structural composite swept blade props for the Beechcraft King Air 350 turboprop. Hartzell Propeller's exhibit at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017 will feature a King Air 350 modified by Raisbeck Engineering with Hartzell's newest structural composite 106" diameter, lightweight five-blade propellers.

The aircraft will be at Hartzell's Booth 296-297 in the Main Aircraft Display Area during EAA AirVenture. Hartzell designed and manufactures the King Air propellers and Raisbeck performed the flight tests for the supplemental type certificate (STC), which it expects soon.

The King Air 350 propellers are an extension of the propeller blade technology advancements developed jointly by Hartzell and Raisbeck for the King Air 90, King Air B200 series, and King Air 300 series aircraft.

The King Air 350 collaboration by the Hartzell Raisbeck team has led to an increase in take-off, climb and cruise performance with decreased noise. The five-blade technology, designed specifically for the King Air 350, greatly increases the utility of the world's most popular twin-engine turboprop.

"By taking advantage of the aerodynamic effect of blade sweep, the strength of lightweight structural composites and robotic manufacturing technologies, Raisbeck and Hartzell have greatly improved performance across the board in all flight phases," said Hartzell Propeller Executive Vice President JJ Frigge. Hartzell's new five-blade swept propellers replace the standard Hartzell four-blade aluminum blade propellers.

Raisbeck Engineering Vice President of Sales and Marketing Lynn Thomas said, "This lighter prop provides improved single-engine climb performance, unlimited life blades, increased takeoff acceleration, and is quieter."