Press Releases

Flight Design’s New Alternative Fuel C4 Aircraft

Piqua, Ohio, March 31, 2015 – Hartzell Propeller Inc. will supply high performance two-blade swept aluminum props for Flight Design’s new alternative fuel C4 aircraft.

Flight Design has moved its C4 test article to Kamenz, Germany where it will undergo final testing, leading to first flight of the new design. The C4 is powered by Continental Motors’ new alternative fuel IO-360-AF powerplant.

For the C4, Flight Design has mated the alternative fuel Continental engine with Hartzell Propeller’s efficient 74-inch diameter two-blade swept aluminum prop.

“Flight Design’s selection of Hartzell’s very thin lightweight two-blade aluminum prop is very consistent with the use of the newest technology in airframe construction and powerplant design for the C4,” said Hartzell Propeller President Joe Brown. “We have worked closely and successfully with both Flight Design and Continental to help make this airplane achieve ultimate performance.”

“We are encouraged by Hartzell’s use of advanced aerodynamics and sophisticated manufacturing technology to give us the best propeller matched to our airplane and Continental’s engine for the C4,” said Matthias Betsch, CEO of Flight Design GmbH. “Hartzell’s rigorous engineering discipline and expertise are welcome additions to our newest four-seat aircraft.”

The propeller was optimized for the new IO-360-AF, permitting the engine to achieve its maximum power output of 180 horsepower at an environmentally friendly 2,550 RPM to meet new stringent international noise standards. Hartzell Propeller specializes in working with aircraft manufacturers to maximize performance of new and existing aircraft designs.

About Flight Design GmbH
Flight Design is a 27-year-old manufacturer based in Germany. The company remains the worldwide Light-Sport Aircraft market leader thanks to its popular CT series of aircraft. Nearly 2,000 of these aircraft are flying in 39 countries. One of the first aircraft certified under ASTM International standards in 2005, the CT (“composite technology”) boasts the largest fleet of LSA in America after 10 years. Flight Design sold the first LSA to India and was the first LSA to earn Chinese Type Design Approval. Three times a CT has been flown around the world. In 2011, the German company unveiled its C4 four seat aircraft based on the CT technology.

About Continental Motors
Continental Motors Group Ltd., of Hong Kong, China is a subsidiary of AVIC International Holding Corporation of Beijing, China. Its mission is to provide advanced gasoline and Jet-A piston engine products, spare parts, engine and aircraft services, avionics equipment and repairs as well as pilot training for the general aviation marketplace. Continental is an international operation employing approximately 450 team members in Mobile and Baldwin counties, Ala., 200 team members in St. Egidien, Germany and eight team members in Beijing, China. More information can be found at continentalmotors.aero.

About Hartzell Propeller Inc.
Hartzell Propeller is the global leader in advanced technology propeller design and manufacturing with over 3,800 propellers delivered annually to business, commercial and government customers. The company designs these next generation propellers with innovative “blended airfoil” technology and manufactures them with revolutionary machining centers and robotics. 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 Mayday Manufacturing. For more info on Hartzell Propeller go to hartzellprop.com.