Press Releases

Piqua, Ohio, July 18, 2016 – Evolution Aircraft has completed extensive performance and noise testing confirming the performance improvements of the new Hartzell five-blade composite swept tip constant speed prop for the Turbine Evolution.

The new technology 82.5-inch diameter five-blade propeller is available as an optional performance upgrade in place of the four-blade Hartzell aluminum propeller that is standard equipment on the Turbine Evolution. In addition to new aircraft kits, the new carbon fiber propeller is available as an upgrade for the 65 Turbine Evolutions flying today. Even though the new propeller has one more blade, it is 3.5 pounds lighter than the standard propeller including spinner and de-ice.

In flight tests comparing the four-blade aluminum prop with Hartzell’s new five-blade structural composite propeller, Elite Pilot Services documented a three knot increase in cruise speed and a 144 feet per minute increase in climb rate in theTurbine Evolution. “This gives pilots and owners of the Turbine Evolution a new propeller option to get higher faster and fly faster at altitude,” said Evolution Aircraft CEO Bob Wolstenholme.

On Display at Oshkosh

“Much like the Turbine Evolution itself, modern propeller technology, advanced manufacturing methods and advanced aerodynamics combine to bump the airplane’s speedy performance to the next level,” said Hartzell Propeller President Joe Brown. “With Hartzell’s true carbon fiber propeller blades and the Turbine Evolution’s all carbon fiber airframe, this legendary high performance aircraft goes even faster and has an even better climb rate.”

The new five-blade Hartzell carbon fiber prop will be displayed on a Turbine Evolution aircraft during EAA AirVenture, held July 25-31 on Oshkosh’s Wittman Regional Airport at the Evolution Aircraft Exhibit Booth 275-276 in the Main Aircraft Display area. Hartzell Propeller will also exhibit its other composite technology props, including a swept-tip Trailblazer prop at its Exhibit Booth 296-297.

Flight Performance Evaluations

Pilot and CFI Sean E. VanHatten with Elite Air Services conducted the flight performance comparisons. “Time to climb, true airspeed at various altitudes, and propeller braking were all quantified. General handling characteristics and subjective pilot observations were also noted,” he wrote in his report. “On average, the five blade propeller results in three knots faster true airspeed, 144 feet per minute faster rate of climb, and a 13 percent increase in deceleration.”

About the Turbine Evolution
With a 300 Knot speed and a 28,000 foot max operating altitude, the four place pressurized Evolution Aircraft is the epitome of the owner-built high performance aircraft concept that was pioneered by Lance Neibauer in 1986. The Evolution Aircraft history of high performance, cutting edge construction techniques, and the adoption of the latest in avionics technology was never more apparent than in this exciting aircraft.

Evolution Aircraft’s core competency lies in carbon composite construction and aerodynamic efficiency, and when this is coupled with the power and reliability of the Pratt & Whitney PT-6 turboprop engine, what emerges is an aircraft that is simply unmatched in the certified world. But certification has its place, of course, and Evolution Aircraft recognizes that. Therefore, whenever possible Evolution Aircraft has observed and incorporated the engineering principles and requirements of certification to ensure a safe and airworthy aircraft for the owner-builder. Evolution Aircraft uses the FAA’s Part 23, Utility Category as guidance in airframe design criteria for strength, redundancy, handling, safety and ergonomics whenever possible.

  Turbine Evolution

About Hartzell Propeller

Hartzell Propeller is the global leader in advanced technology aircraft propeller design and manufacturing for business, commercial and government customers. The company designs next generation propellers with innovative “blended airfoil” technology and manufactures them with revolutionary machining centers, robotics and custom resin transfer molding curing stations. With ASC-II™ composite technology, Hartzell delivers optimal performance, strength, and durability with carbon fiber blades.

Hartzell Propeller and its sister company, Hartzell Engine Technologies LLC, form the general aviation business unit of Tailwind Technologies Inc. The aerospace technology company also includes Hi-Tech Metal Finishing and Mayday Manufacturing. For more info on Hartzell Propeller go to hartzellprop.com.