North America:1 (800) 942-7767
International:+1 (937) 778-4200
Hartzell Propeller has announced that its new three-blade conversion for the Piper PA28-236 Dakota has been awarded a Supplemental Type Certification by the FAA and is now available for enhanced performance and smoother, quieter operation.
PIQUA, Ohio — January 11, 2002 — Hartzell Propeller has announced that its new Top PropTM three-blade propeller conversion for the Piper PA28-236 Dakota has been awarded a Supplemental Type Certificate by the FAA and is now available.
The new 78-inch diameter propeller replaces the original equipment 80-inch diameter two-bladed prop. In certification tests, this new prop was found to improve acceleration for reduced take-off rolls, increase climb rates through 7,000 feet and to match or exceed cruise levels. Most importantly, pilots are reporting that the new Top Prop three-blade improves cabin and flyover noise as well as reduces cabin vibrations. Improvement in overall cabin noise and vibration is very beneficial in reducing fatigue associated with longer cross-country flights.
Comprised of aluminum Scimitar blades with a unique combination of airfoil design and tip sweep, the propeller is gaining widespread acceptance for high all-around performance. The curved propeller blades utilize a high lift series of airfoils at mid-blade sections to enhance aircraft take-off and provide superior climb performance. A combination of tip sweep and a series of airfoils at the tip sections cause lower transonic drag, resulting in a very low noise signature. This proprietary blend of airfoils also generates excellent cruise performance.
The added blade along with the highly swept blade planform provides the Dakota with a much more aggressive look. In addition, the Top Prop three-blade’s smaller diameter provides greater ground clearance for reduced tip erosion. As with all Top Prop kits, the new Dakota kit comes with a three-year extended warranty and an expanded 2400 hour/6 year TBO.
The Top Prop kit for the Dakota includes the scimitar three-bladed propeller, a highly polished aluminum spinner and STC documentation for a list price of $7995.
In addition to the Dakota, Hartzell uses this blade design for several other applications. It was the same one used by Bruce Bohannon to set world time-to-climb records on the Exxon Flyin’ Tiger and is original equipment on the 260hp model Maules, the Micco SP26 and the SOCATA TB20 Trinidad and TB21 Trinidad TC. It is also used for several Top PropÔ conversion kits including the Piper Cherokee 235, Cherokee Six-260, the SOCATA TB20 Trinidad and TB21 Trinidad TC aircraft.
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 the Piper Dakota propeller conversion kit or any other Top Prop performance conversion, visit the Top Prop section of the Hartzell Web site at www.hartzellprop.com, or call toll free (800) 942-7767 or (937) 778-5726. Fax your request to Hartzell at (937) 778-4215 or email topprop@hartzellprop.com.
