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Due to their light weight, durability, and sleek appearance, composite propellers have grown in popularity in recent years across the general aviation community — for both certified and experimental aircraft.
However, not all “composite propellers” are alike. It’s worth comparing the options very closely to find an aircraft propeller that offers performance upgrades as well as quality, safety, and longevity.
Here’s what you should know about Hartzell’s carbon fiber composite aircraft propellers:
Unlike some airplane propeller designs with a “natural” or wood core, Hartzell’s carbon fiber composite airplane propellers are made from aerospace-grade carbon fiber composite that’s up to 10 times stronger than wood, offering uniform strength and integrity.
Carbon fiber composite propeller blades are also tougher than aluminum and wood-core propeller blades, with the ability to withstand unforgiving conditions, including off-airport take-offs and landings in the rugged backcountry. Each blade has a nickel erosion shield on the leading edge, providing greater protection from foreign object damage and improved erosion resistance against environmental conditions.
Much like aircraft wings, aircraft propellers are airfoils designed to generate an aerodynamic force. In the case of propellers, that force is thrust.
Hartzell’s carbon fiber composite propellers are precision-engineered with thinner airfoils that produce less drag and more efficiency in flight. True carbon fiber composite materials can enable thinner, more aerodynamic designs such as swept-tip scimitar propeller blades, whereas laminated wood blades are significantly thicker.
A new aircraft propeller is an investment in the performance, safety, and overall value of your airplane. If you’re going to invest in a composite aircraft propeller, choose one that’s built to last.
Hartzell’s carbon fiber composite propeller blades are certified for unlimited life, which means they can be restored to factory-new condition over and over again. When an aluminum prop is damaged, repair often requires grounding the airplane and filing or grinding away material that can’t be replaced. Meanwhile, Hartzell carbon fiber composite blades can be repaired and overhauled multiple times without adversely affecting the airfoil shape. This level of longevity and repairability translates into reduced maintenance costs and less flight downtime.
When it comes to aviation, there’s no room for compromise. Hartzell Propeller’s Built On Honor promise means we’re committed to delivering quality, performance, and support in everything we do.
Our true carbon fiber composite aircraft propellers offer proven performance, strength, durability, and reliability for every flight mission. And, we support our props with maintenance and propeller overhaul services available through the state-of-the-art Hartzell Service Center or our Recommend Service Facilities located around the globe.
Ready to learn more? Contact us today to explore carbon fiber composite propeller options for a wide range of piston- and turbine-powered general aviation aircraft.
