Press Releases

Hartzell 80″ Diameter Trailblazer Propeller on Glasair Sportsman

Piqua, Ohio, March 17, 2014 –Hartzell Propeller Inc. is introducing two- and three-blade versions of its new swept-tip Trailblazer prop for experimental aircraft and a number of certificated aircraft models.

The next-generation Advanced Structural Composite Hartzell Trailblazer swept-tip prop will be exhibited at Hartzell Propeller’s B-034/35 booth at the upcoming SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In & Expo, April 1-6, and installed on a homebuilt Sportsman at Glasair Aviation’s outdoor static display MD-017B. The Expo is held at Florida’s Lakeland Linder Airport.

Backcountry Flying

“I put the new Hartzell Trailblazer prop on my Sportsman for increased performance that backcountry flying demands. Backcountry flying is all about getting into remote landing areas, but once you’re in you have to get back out,” said Hartzell Propeller President Joe Brown. “The takeoff acceleration and climb performance of the new Trailblazer prop gives me the added performance I want for backcountry flying.”

The new Hartzell Trailblazer swept-tip propellers are designed to maximize performance of the numerous aircraft, both certified and amateur built, specifically designed for bush and backcountry flying. The two-blade version is compatible with most Lycoming 360 and 390 series engines, with no placards or restrictions.

A three-blade version is available for higher horsepower applications. In addition, Hartzell Propeller is working with numerous aircraft manufacturers to pursue approvals to install the new Trailblazer propeller on certified aircraft.

The two-blade configuration of the Hartzell Trailblazer propeller is available in 78”, 80” and 83” diameters and the three-blade configuration in 80”, 82” and 85” diameters. All have unlimited blade life and are approximately 20 percent lighter than comparable propellers with aluminum blades.

Optimal Performance

The swept-tip, scimitar shaped airfoil is designed for optimal take-off acceleration and climb performance, resulting in an increase of 80-100 fpm climb rate versus a three-blade wood core propeller. The thin, stiff airfoil design that is possible when utilizing aerospace composites allows improved low speed thrust while achieving a three-knot cruise speed improvement over wood core props.

The Hartzell Trailblazer’s all carbon fiber construction features an innovative mesh erosion shield and field replaceable nickel-cobalt leading edge ensuring it can withstand demanding backcountry and bush flying. The carbon fiber structural composite construction is more than five to 10 times stronger than beech wood and spruce, respectively, and includes Hartzell’s state-of-art wedge shank blade retention design.

About Hartzell Propeller Inc.

Hartzell Propeller is the leader in advanced technology propeller design and manufacturing with more than 3,700 propellers delivered annually to business, commercial and government customers. The company developed the next generation of propellers with innovative “blended airfoil” technology. It manufactures these blades using a combination of revolutionary machining centers and robotics. With its ASC-II™ composite technology, Hartzell provides mission-optimized performance for customers. Hartzell Propeller 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. For more info go to hartzellprop.com.