Press Releases

PIQUA, Ohio – December 8, 1998 — Hartzell Propeller Inc. announced today that it has been selected by Raytheon Aircraft Company to be the sole supplier of propeller systems for the company’s entire range of propeller driven aircraft. The six-year contract, representing over 1800 aircraft, is valued at more than $35 million. Jay Lapointe, Vice President – Supply Management for Raytheon said, “When Raytheon awards a preferred contract it is on the basis of establishing a partnership with a leader in the industry and Hartzell has clearly demonstrated that it is the leader in propeller systems. Hartzell provides Raytheon with outstanding performance in quality, delivery, and engineering support and we are excited to be expanding our relationship with them.” According to Hartzell Chairman Jim Brown, “Hartzell focuses on providing its customers with outstanding service at a fair price and we’re always striving to improve. We’re honored that Raytheon has recognized our efforts with this award.”

Hartzell’s long history with Raytheon’s Beech products dates back to 1934 when the company designed and manufactured propellers for the early Staggerwings, Beech’s most successful aircraft up to that time and a revolutionary design. Since then, Hartzell has enjoyed an uninterrupted relationship with Raytheon Aircraft and its predecessor company for nearly half a century.

Hartzell currently manufactures four-bladed composite propeller systems for the 1900D Airliner, as well as four-bladed aluminum systems for the King Air 350, King Air B200 and the T-6A Texan II for the Joint Primary Air Training System (JPATS) Program. Beginning in 1999, the new contract will add Hartzell four-bladed aluminum props for the King Air C90B and three-bladed aluminum systems for the Baron 58, Bonanza B36TC and A36.

Hartzell Propeller Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of propeller systems, enjoying dominant market share in virtually all categories of propeller driven aviation including: complex piston, high-performance kits, aerobatic, corporate piston and turboprop, agricultural, military trainers and turboprop airliners. The 81 year-old company is also well-known for its design leadership having introduced the industry’s first full-feathering propellers for light twins, the first fully-reversing propellers for corporate turboprops, and the industry’s first composite structure blades.

Raytheon’s Hartzell Propeller Driven Aircraft Fleet:

Beech 1900D Airliner
Beech King Air 350
Beech King Air B200
Beech King Air C90B
Beech Baron 58
Beech Bonanza A36 and B36TC
Raytheon Aircraft T-6A Texan II (JPATS)