Hartzell Propeller has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for a five-blade composite propeller designed specifically for the Piper Aircraft Meridian and Piper’s new M500.
Hartzell collaborated closely with Piper Aircraft on the STC for the single-engine pressurized turboprops, according to company officials.
“The Hartzell Propeller five-bladed prop design increases flight performance and value of Piper’s new M500 and approximately 500 Piper Meridians already flying around the world,” said Hartzell Propeller President Joe Brown. “Hartzell’s new Meridian composite prop boosts climb rate while decreasing noise and it offers a very stylish contemporary look on the ramp.”
The new Hartzell Propeller blades are certified for unlimited life and are five to 10 times stronger than wood core blades, according to company officials. They feature a stainless steel shank, nickel cobalt leading edge, and mesh erosion screen for FOD protection.
Hartzell’s latest Piper five-blade design is 15 pounds lighter than the current factory installed aluminum four-blade propeller and 10 pounds lighter than similar wood core propellers.