Hartzell prop chosen for new Korean four-place plane

Hartzell Propeller Inc. has been selected by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to supply its in-development KC-100 aircraft with Hartzell’s ASC-II propellers, as well as its S-Series propeller governors. Hartzell will supply the first propeller systems for the KC-100 program this summer. KAI, which began development on its first general aviation program in June 2008, expect the first-delivery aircraft to be completed by June 2013. Hartzell officials say they intend to have FAA, Korean, and EASA certification in place for this new propeller system in time for first delivery.

“We chose Hartzell for our KC-100 program over other potential suppliers because they have been an outstanding partner on our KT-1/KO-1 turboprop military trainer program,” said I.S. Kim, KAI KC-100 project leader. “They have demonstrated to us that their technical know-how and superior engineering, manufacturing and customer service are second-to-none in the industry.”

The KC-100 is a four passenger, single engine piston aircraft developed independently by KAI. Hartzell’s ASC-II advanced composite, 3-blade propeller will be installed on a turbo-charged Teledyne Continental TSIOF-550 engine with Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) rated at 315 hp at 2500 rpm. Specifications include a maximum takeoff weight of 3,600 pounds, a maximum payload of 1,100 pounds, and a maximum range of 1,321 nm.

For the KC-100, Hartzell will provide a 3-blade, 78-inch diameter propeller, integrating its lightweight compact hub and polished aluminum spinner. Anti-icing equipment will also be included for a total installed weight of 63 pounds.

Mike Disbrow, Hartzell’s senior VP marketing and customer services, said, “Work has already begun on the development of the new KC-100 prop. We have a large amount of test data on TCM FACEC engines and expect to deliver an outstanding propeller system to KAI on-schedule.”