Press Releases

Piqua, Ohio – May 13, 2010…. Hartzell Propeller Inc. has been selected by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to supply its in-development KC-100 aircraft with Hartzell’s proprietary technology 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 began development on its first general aviation program in June, 2008, and expect the first-delivery aircraft to be completed by June, 2013. Hartzell intends to have FAA, Korean, and EASA certification in place for this new propeller system in time for first delivery.

KAI KC-100 project leader, I.S. Kim, Research Fellow (VP) & Head, Fixed-wing Aircraft Integration Department said, “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. 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 315hp at 2500rpm. The elegant all-composite exterior, spacious cabin and cruise speed of 240 knots make it ideal for both business and leisure customers.

The aircraft’s 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” 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.”

Hartzell Propeller Inc. is widely recognized as the leader in advanced propeller design and manufacturing technology. The company has recently developed the next generation of propeller designs based upon innovative “blended airfoil” technology and is manufacturing these blades with its new ASC-II™ composite technology process to provide mission-optimized performance for its customers. Hartzell traces its beginnings in 1917 to a business relationship with Orville Wright, and was founded on the principal of Built on Honor – a tradition that continues today.