Hartzell Propeller Inc. has developed an advanced structural composite propeller for aerobatic aircraft using its proprietary ASC-II technology. The new Claw 2.0 propeller recently achieved FAA type certification.
The original Claw and the new Claw 2.0 are the only certified advanced composite propellers available for aerobatic use, Hartzell officials note. The propeller has not yet been STC’d on the aircraft; however Hartzell is making the Claw 2.0 propeller available now for Extra 300/330 series aircraft flying in the Experimental category.
Former US Unlimited Aerobatic Champion Michael Goulian (pictured) used an experimental development version of this propeller on his Extra 330SC during the 2009 airshow campaign, for which he was recognized with EAA’s Bill Barber Award for Airshow Showmanship. He will continue using it during the 2010 air show season.
“I couldn’t be happier with my new Hartzell ASC-II Claw 2.0 prop,” he said. “It has displayed all the characteristics that made the original Hartzell ‘Claw’ a market leader, but from a performance standpoint, it has more pulling power at the low end. It also has a more modern look. It is a natural and worthy stablemate to the ‘Claw’.
“As someone who makes a living flying a high performance aircraft, I need my prop to be safe and reliable 100% of the time,” he continued. “Hartzell was always my choice, and with this new prop they haven’t let me down.”
This latest model from Hartzell comprises a unique lamination of carbon fiber and Kevlar, with an electroformed nickel leading edge erosion shield. The composite structure is co-molded on an integral stainless steel shank that accommodates bolt-on counterweights needed for aerobatics.
The advantage of installing a certified propeller on “Experimental” and homebuilt aircraft is that it has been rigorously tested according to FAA standards, and users can be sure the propeller will withstand all flying conditions, Hartzell officials said. The Claw 2.0 has passed all required certification tests including bird strike, lightning strike and fatigue strength. It has also passed a vibration stress test over the entire aerobatic envelope on Goulian’s Extra 330SC.
Mike Disbrow, Hartzell’s senior VP marketing and customer services, said, “The new ASC-II Claw 2.0 prop is the perfect addition for experimental pilots who like to push the limits of their aircraft’s capabilities safely. Michael Goulian has shown that this prop can perform under even the most extreme conditions.”
Hartzell’s kit for the Extra 300/330s includes the 3-blade propeller and a carbon composite spinner at a special introductory price of $21,900, with a three-year/1,000-hour warranty and 6-year/ 1,000-hour TBO.
For more information: HartzellProp.com.
