Sensenich Propeller has received Part 35 Type Certification for its G-Series ground-adjustable carbon fiber propellers ranging in size from 72 to 82 inches in diameter to allow for installation on existing aircraft models from 125-hp to 180-hp.
Current STCs using the 82 inch diameter allow for installation on Piper PA-18-150 models with O-360 engines. Sensenich officials noted they are pursuing additional approvals for models from Piper, Cessna, American Champion, CubCrafters, Grumman, and more.
Sensenich’s lightweight composite blades incorporate a swept scimitar profile and the latest proprietary airfoil technology to maximize performance while reducing noise, according to company officials.
Advanced carbon fiber monocoque construction results in a weight reduction of 15 to 20 pounds compared to fixed-pitch aluminum and 30 to 50 pounds compared to constant-speed propeller installations, officials added.
Beyond the potential useful load advantages, this lower rotating mass allows faster throttle and control response, increasing maneuvering precision in short fields, inclement weather, and other dynamic situations, according to Sensenich officials.
For more information, go to Sensenich.com.
I own a humble 1976 Piper Cherokee Cruiser with a 160 HP engine and live in the mountain west. I have two aluminum Sensenich props, a 58 inch and a 60 inch pitch props. The 60 inch is on the plane now and rarely removed with the 58 inch pitch prop. I have several questions. First, how much does the composite adjustable prop weigh? How much lighter is it over the aluminum prop? Second, will the new composite prop fit the the existing support plates and the aluminum spinner assembly? Third, what is the approximate price? Lastly, the ease of the ground adjustments to meet the specified RPM static limits.range. (With the 58 inch pitch, I easily can over-speed the engine at a lower cruise, however, I do note the better climb and lower cruise than with the 60 inch pitch prop which gives me better cruise speed.) In the future, and with the addition of a Manifold Pressure gauge, is there any thought of making that prop a mechanical cockpit adjustable/non-constant speed propeller with a default lower pitch setting should the mechanically linkage fail. Just thinking. (Years ago, I flew an early Beech Bonanza with an adjustable pitch, non C/S prop which required more attention by the pilot, but was able to become efficient in straight and level cruise configuration.) On my now sold Twin Comanche, I enjoyed being able to fly efficiently. But for now, in my Cherokee, if I chose to go into those well kept Idaho grass strips and do some plane camping, which I have done with my son, I would like the option of shorter takeoff and better climb, then adjusting it back to better cruise at the next fuel stop. So, that is my personal reason for considering this product, not to mention reducing the planes empty weight and its nose heavy characteristics. This Cherokee is my affordable retirement fun plane. I had all my fast fun flying in the military years ago. The simple Cherokee is our ‘fun’ slow plane. My wife and I enjoy it and take it on those long slow trips, many times with our folding bicycles.
Propellers aren’t my strong suit, but my understanding would be that approval has been received for the propeller itself, but not for installation on aircraft yet (excepting the PA-18 approval noted).
So, if you are looking for one of these propellers and you have anything other than a PA-18-150 with an O-360 engine, you would either need to pursue a field approval or one-time STC, or wait for the Sensenich STC to be finished. The article makes it appear as though the prop is readily available for certified aircraft, but I don’t think that is the case.
Again, props are not my strongest area of knowledge but it’s worth confirming with your mechanic.