Press Releases

Propeller To Make Around-The-World Trip

A new Hartzell propeller has been designed specifically for this application and will be used on the first completed Legacy 2000 kit.

PIQUA, Ohio — January 29, 2002 — Hartzell Propeller has been selected as the recommended propeller supplier for Lancair’s Legacy 2000 kit plane. A new Hartzell propeller has been designed specifically for this application and will be used on the first completed Legacy 2000 kit as Lancair’s Chief Engineer Carsten Sundin attempts a record setting around-the-world trip in early 2002.

The Lancair Legacy 2000 presented an especially challenging design task because of its strict requirements for small diameter and low weight with relatively high power input and a goal of achieving very high cruise speeds. In response to these difficult requirements, Hartzell developed a 2-bladed 72-inch diameter propeller for this application. The 7694-4T model blade was designed to provide an efficient blade loading distribution at the high cruise speeds expected from the Legacy 2000, while still providing adequate climb performance. The propeller blades are also relatively thin and have a swept tip to reduce noise.

In a unique move based upon the proven performance delivered by the Hartzell prop, Lancair requested certification testing from Hartzell for the two different engines they offer for the kit. Hartzell performed vibrational stress testing on each engine and approved specific versions of this propeller for both the 310hp Continental IO-550 and the 260hp Lycoming IO-540. Hartzell has also approved a version for use with the 300hp Lycoming IO-540 as well.

On the occasion of Lancair’s first flight of the Legacy 2000 in March, 2000, a Lancair news release stated, The incredible new Lancair Legacy 2000 has upped the ante once again by using a 310 hp Continental IO-550. The aircraft flew flawlessly with company pilot, Orin Riddell at the controls.

“Everything was what we expected and more! I saw over 280 mph TAS at 8000 ft and expect over 300 mph down low!” said Riddell. “Weight and balance was well within the envelope with the bigger engine. Having Hartzell Propeller design a new lightweight propeller helped make this possible. The aircraft was only 90 lbs. heavier than the previous configuration, which used a turbo-normalized Lycoming IO-360. Lancair already has orders for over 150 kits.

These propellers are perfect examples of Hartzell’s unique ability to provide mission optimized performance for our customers, stated Mike Disbrow, Hartzell’s Senior Vice President Marketing, Applications & Customer Support. Our success in meeting our customers needs can be directly attributed to our outstanding engineering team, design tools and flexible manufacturing processes.

Founded in 1984 by Lance Neibauer, Lancair has become one of the most successful kit manufacturers in the world. The company manufactures the world’s fastest piston-driven aircraft, and holds several world speed records as well as championships in most major cross-country air races. Lancair is the current champion and three-time winner of the Reno Air Races Sport Class. For more information, contact Neico Aviation Inc. at 541-923-2244 or visit www.lancair.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. 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 on Hartzell, visit the Web at www.hartzellprop.com or fax your request to Hartzell at (937) 778-4321.