Hartzell Propeller’s five-blade composite propeller with a pitch latch function for water operations on floats has been approved for the Kodiak 100.
The five-blade propeller for Kodiak 100s was introduced by Daher in 2023, and its new pitch latch function enables float-equipped aircraft to be easily maneuvered on water with greater control and safety because the propeller can be set in a fine pitch position during engine startup and shutdown, Daher officials explained.
All Kodiak 100s are delivered from Daher’s Sandpoint, Idaho, factory with the structural and operational enhancements for water operations, including the capability of being equipped with Aerocet floats, along with special skin gap fillet sealant for enhanced corrosion protection in high salinity environments, as well as designed-in structural reinforcements necessary to support the unique loads associated with water landings, company officials added.
Tailored specifically for use on Kodiak 100s, the five-blade composite propeller incorporates Hartzell’s lightweight Raptor propeller hub technology, Daher officials noted.
In addition to being 13 pounds lighter than the four-blade metal propeller, the new five-blade version reduces the Kodiak 100s ground takeoff roll by 6% at maximum gross weight. Additionally, the propeller is durable by design, with a TBO (time between overhaul) of 4,000 hours/six years, and a warranty of six years or up to 4,000 hours.
Among the composite propeller blades’ key features are the durable nickel-cobalt leading edge, a nickel erosion screen for FOD (foreign object debris) protection, urethane paint for improved erosion protection, and the use of aerospace-grade carbon fiber.
The Kodiak 100’s five-blade propeller also is 6.6 dB quieter, turning at 2,000 rpm for a maximum torque, which is 200 rpm slower than the four-blade metal propeller, providing an operational advantage in noise-sensitive areas, company officials said.
At a diameter of 96 inches, the five-blade composite propeller has a ground clearance of 20 inches when the Kodiak 100 is equipped with floats.
In addition to the five-blade propeller’s availability with pitch latch function on new-production Kodiak 100s, the composite propeller can be retrofitted on in-service Kodiak 100s via the Hartzell Top Prop program.
For more information: Kodiak.aero
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