Press Releases

Hafei Aviation Industry Selects New Hartzell Propeller for High Performance Version of Y12 Aircraft

Hartzell Propeller has announced that its four-bladed Lightweight series turbine propeller system has been selected for the Y12E, the new aircraft from China’s Hafei Aviation Industry, a division of China Aviation Industry Corp. II (AVIC II). Hartzell has provided propeller systems for Hafei for more than 20 years.

PIQUA, Ohio – April 16, 2002 — Hartzell Propeller has announced that its four-bladed Lightweight series turbine propeller system has been selected for the Y12E, the newest aircraft from China’s Hafei Aviation Industry, a division of China Aviation Industry Corp. II (AVIC II). Hartzell has provided propeller systems for Hafei for more than 20 years.

The Hafei Y12E is a higher performance version of the Y12 designed for operations out of higher and hotter locations. Both aircraft are high-wing twin turboprops designed for commuter and utility operations. After receiving it’s Chinese (CAAC) Type Certificate for the Y12E in December, 2001, Hafei is now seeking FAA approval as well. The Y12 is currently in service in more than 20 countries around the world.

The new 96-inch prop is feathering and reversing and features Hartzell’s wide-chord blade design for maximizing take-off and climb performance. In addition, a new elliptical blade tip reduces both fly-over and cabin noise levels. The first flight of the Y12E occurred in July, 2001. To date, Hartzell has provided more than 260 3-bladed propellers to Hafei for the original Y12, and has already provided the first 10 propellers for the Y12E.

Hartzell Propeller Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of propeller systems, well known for its advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities. The company is rich in aviation heritage, tracing its beginnings to relationships with Orville Wright and Glenn Curtiss. Significant technical innovations include the industry’s first full-feathering propeller for light twins, the first fully reversing propellers for corporate turboprops and the industry’s first composite structure blades. NASA recently selected Hartzell as the exclusive propeller partner for its General Aviation Propulsion (GAP) program – developing the next generation of general aviation propulsion systems.

For more information about Hartzell visit the Hartzell Web site at www.hartzellprop.com.