Press Releases

Piqua, Ohio – September 14, 2010. Hartzell Propeller Inc. has developed a new 3-bladed Top Prop™ performance conversion for Cessna 180 and 185, as well as early 210 and 205 aircraft. This propeller system blends advanced technology scimitar airfoils into a robust design machined from aluminum alloy forgings to provide increased performance, maximum durability and reliability suitable for any conditions.

This is the first time Hartzell has offered a propeller for Cessna 185 owners with a TCM IO-470 engine, and the first 3-bladed prop to be offered for use on early Cessna 210 and 205 models. This propeller is also compatible with a range of popular power plant modifications common to these aircraft.

Hartzell’s senior vice president of marketing and customer services, Mike Disbrow said, “These new props were designed with ruggedness and durability in mind. The aluminum blades combined with Hartzell’s revolutionary scimitar blade design make this model an excellent choice for users operating in any region – over land, sea or snow.

“Many of these Cessnas are used in harsh conditions where aircraft durability is essential. In the back country or on water, where a stone nick or water erosion can mean a no-fly decision, pilots need to be able to rely on their aircraft and its parts. A metal propeller is the best option under such abusive conditions.”

Compared to the stock propellers currently found on these Cessna models, the new Hartzell 82-inch diameter conversion features “blended airfoil” technology and scimitar blades, which result in improved take-off and climb performance, ground clearance and aesthetics. Its robust design has a longer TBO (2400 hours / 6 years) and generous repair allowances, including a diameter reduction to 78 inches. Its swept tip design also results in a significant noise reduction, making them neighbor- and eco-friendly.

Hartzell’s new STC kit is available for Cessna 180 through 180K using O-470-A, -K, -J, -L, -R, -S, and –U engines; Cessna 185 through 185E using IO-470-F engines; Cessna 210 through 210C, 210-5 (205) and 210-5A (205A) using IO-470-E and –S engines. The kit includes a 3-blade, 82-inch aluminum propeller, an STC document set and a polished aluminum spinner.

Through Hartzell’s Top Prop dealers, the basic kit is offered at an introductory retail price of $9,400, with a three-year / 1,000-hour warranty and six-year / 2,400-hour TBO. To date, more than 17,000 Top Prop conversions have been delivered to aircraft owners and operators around the world.

Hartzell Propeller is widely recognized as the leader in advanced propeller design and manufacturing technology. The company has developed the next generation of propellers based upon innovative “blended airfoil” technology and is manufacturing these blades on revolutionary machining centers to provide mission-optimized performance for its customers. It traces its beginnings in 1917 to a business relationship with Orville Wright and was founded on the principle of “Built on Honor” – a tradition that continues today.