Press Releases

Graphite and Titanium Propeller Blades Offer Optimal Solution for PC-21 Mission

PARIS — June 17, 2001 — Hartzell Propeller today announced that it signed a development and production agreement with Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. of Stans, Switzerland, to be the exclusive supplier of propellers for the new, high-performance PC-21 Advanced Trainer aircraft.

Hartzell has developed an advanced composite propeller for this unique application. The 92-inch diameter, five-bladed feathering propeller features blades of graphite / titanium construction. The propeller blades are mounted in an aluminum hub covered by a graphite spinner. The PC-21’s design requirements led Hartzell to recommend this specialized propeller.

The company’s engineering team determined that graphite / titanium blades should be used for their superior strength and stiffness to handle the power, combined with their low weight and resultant low polar moment of inertia to minimize stress on the engine in aerobatic maneuvers. Additionally, the custom-tailored blade design is optimized for maximum cruise performance to provide the PC-21 with near jet trainer speeds.

Pilatus’ objective with the PC-21 is to provide major military forces with an aircraft that can handle advanced training requirements normally taken by more expensive jet powered trainers.

At present, Hartzell has delivered two prototype propellers for the PC-21 to Pilatus for its development and flight test program.

Pilatus aircraft are known for their innovative design, precision engineering and quality craftsmanship. Its fleet of training aircraft represents the top of the turboprop class, offering the highest performance and handling characteristics, advanced instrumentation and a greater range in training effectiveness. Pilatus offers optimal training solutions with high reliability at cost-effective pricing.

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. is the leading manufacturer of single engine turboprop aircraft worldwide with an exemplary reputation in the aviation industry. The headquarters at Stans employs about 1,000 persons. With its subsidiaries in the United States (Pilatus Business Aircraft, Broomfield, Colorado) and in Australia, Pilatus marks its worldwide presence. Visit the company online at www.pilatus-aircraft.com.

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. Hartzell was recently selected by NASA as the exclusive propeller partner for its General Aviation Propulsion (GAP) program – developing the next generation of general aviation propulsion systems.