Hartzell Propeller and airplane modifier Texas Turbine Conversions are collaborating on a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for a new four-blade, composite swept propeller. The propeller will be for the Supervan 900, a Cessna Caravan conversion. Hartzell President Joe Brown had to say about this to say about the collaboration on the Supervan 900 prop:
“The Hartzell/Texas Turbine program matches engine upgrades for converted Cessna Caravans with structural composite propellers specially designed for the Supervan 900. Advanced aerodynamics and sophisticated manufacturing processes increase performance and deliver extraordinary reliability for the 110-inch diameter propeller, which is 60 pounds lighter than the prop it replaces.”
According to officials at Texas Turbine Conversions, if you combine an upgraded 900 shp Honeywell TPE331 engine with this new four-blade composite swept propeller, the aircraft generates up to 30 percent more static thrust.
“The Supervan 900’s new lighter weight Hartzell prop helps the airplane distance itself even further from any possible competitors as the world’s best performing Cessna Caravan,” said Texas Turbine Conversions President Bobby Bishop.
Texas Turbine Conversions has just finished successful vibration flight testing of the new Supervan 900 prop, and Hartzell and Texas Turbine Conversions expect the Supplemental Type Certificate to be ready by the end of the year. The new prop, once ready, will also be available as a retrofit option for the 90 Supervan 900 conversions that are already in service.
Supervan 900 Prop at Airventure
If you’re interested in seeing the propeller, you will have the opportunity at EAA’s upcoming AirVenture 2016 in OshKosh, running July 25 through the 31st. Texas Turbine Conversions will be displaying a Supervan 900 with the prop installed at their exhibit (#308) in the Main Aircraft Display area. In addition, Hartzell Propeller specialists will be on hand at their booths (#296 and 297) to answer questions.
Featured Image: Texas Turbine Conversions
