Hartzell Propeller Inc. has developed a new 2-bladed Top Prop propeller conversion kit for Piper PA-23-250 Aztec twin-engine aircraft.
The new 77-inch diameter propeller uses blade-mounted counter-weights to provide redundant assistance to the propeller pitch control and feathering system versus the original configuration that relies heavily on an air pressure charge for these functions, according to company officials, who add that Hartzell’s swept-tip Scimitar “blended airfoil” blade design used in this conversion provides an increase in cruise speed of two to three knots as well as a noise reduction of almost 2 dB(a).
The new propellers are available for Piper Aztec PA-23-250 C to F models, serial numbers 27-2505 through to 27-8154030, installed with Lycoming IO-540-C4B5 or TIO-540-C1A engines. They replace Hartzell’s 2-blade aluminum non-counter-weighted propeller models normally installed on these aircraft.
The kit can be ordered with either a 14 or 28 volt de-ice system and includes composite spinners. Total installed weight is 62 pounds per side. Installation time is a few hours and the conversion does not require any change to the propeller governors.
Available directly from Hartzell or through Hartzell’s Top Prop dealers, the basic kit is offered at an introductory retail price of $21,950, with a three-year/1,000-hour warranty and six-year/2,400-hour TBO.
For more information: HartzellProp.com
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