Press Releases

Unique Blade Design Gaining Widespread Acceptance for High All-Around Performance

PIQUA, Ohio — August 14, 2000 — Hartzell Propeller Inc. recently announced at AirVenture Oshkosh 2000 that its Compact Series 78-inch diameter three-bladed propeller system has been selected for installation on the MICCO Aircraft Company’s (MAC) new SP26 aircraft. Comprised of aluminum Scimitar blades with a unique combination of airfoil design and tip sweep, the propeller is gaining widespread acceptance for high all-around performance.
The curved propeller blades utilize a high lift series of airfoils at mid-blade sections to enhance aircraft take-off and provide superior climb performance. A combination of tip sweep and a series of airfoils at the tip sections cause lower transonic drag, resulting in a very low noise signature. This proprietary blend of airfoils also generates excellent cruise performance.

The SP26, designed for light aerobatics with cross-country capabilities, is the higher horsepower follow-on to MAC’s SP20 aircraft certified in January 2000. The SP26 is an all metal two-seat tail dragger that uses a 260 hp Lycoming IO-540 engine. After conducting back-to-back tests, MAC chose Hartzell for its superior performance over competitive propeller entries. This testing demonstrated a 3 – 5 knot cruise performance advantage with the Hartzell prop.

“The addition of the Hartzell prop to the SP26 gives the thrust and acceleration one expects from such a sleek ship. The climb performance has really been enhanced with this prop – actually 22 percent better than the competition,” said Greg Garee, director of MAC flight operations.

In addition to the SP26, Hartzell provides this three-bladed prop for several other applications. It is the same one used by Bruce Bohannon on the record setting Exxon Flyin’ Tiger and by Maule on its 260 hp aircraft models. The prop is also used for several Top Prop™ conversion kits including the Piper Cherokee Six-260, the SOCATA TB 20 Trinidad and TB 21 Trinidad TC aircraft.

“We feel that the performance that the Hartzell prop for the SP26 enhances the entire envelope of the aircraft and affords buyers the ‘kick’ they are looking for in this type aircraft,” said MICCO Aircraft Company President F. DeWitt Beckett. “We are proud that Hartzell has helped MICCO’s SP26 make the measure for climb and cruise marks beyond our expectations.”

MICCO Aircraft manufactures the SP20 and SP26 which are all metal sport airplanes. The SP20 is certified in the Utility Category and the SP26 is expected to be certified in the next several months, also in the Utility Category. MICCO offers today’s pilot sleek styling and unequaled strength for a fun day of flying or a trip across the country. Equipped with the latest in avionics and instrumentation, it is a unique flying experience. The SP series of aircraft derive their basic design from the Meyers 145 aircraft certified in 1948. The design was acquired in 1994 and has been developed into the SP series from there. MICCO is a Seminole Tribe of Florida Enterprise.