Hartzell Propeller introduced two- and three-blade versions of its new scimitar-shaped Trailblazer propeller for experimental and certified aircraft during Sun ’n’ Fun’s annual International Fly-In & Expo at Lakeland Linder Field in Florida this week. To celebrate, the company is continuing its support of aerobatic performers at the show, including Sean D. Tucker, Michael Goulian, Matt Chapman, Team AeroDynamix, and the Paul McCowan Parachute Team.
Hartzell president Joe Brown has pulled out the stops to celebrate the introduction of the company's two- and three-blade Trailblazer swept-tip propellers, which can be seen at Hartzell Propeller’s booth (B-034/35). “The newest Hartzell Trailblazer prop is specifically designed for bush planes and back-country flying. I put one on my own Glasair Sportsman,” said Brown. “The takeoff acceleration and climb performance of the Trailblazer gives me the added performance I want,” he continued. Glasair is displaying the prop on a Sportsman at its static display, MD-017B, during this week's show.
Brown claims that the new propeller can increase climb rate by 80 to 100 fpm over a three-blade wood core propeller. The Trailblazer's thin, stiff composite airfoil also improves low-speed thrust, offering pilots a three-knot cruise speed improvement over wood core props.
The scimitar-shaped Trailblazers are borne of blended airfoil technology and are formed from carbon fiber impregnated with a mesh erosion shield and field-replaceable nickel-cobalt leading edge. In an effort not to mess with what works, they have Hartzell’s wedge shank blade retention design. All are approximately 20 percent lighter than comparable propellers with aluminum blades.
The swept-tip propellers are available for numerous aircraft, both certified and amateur built. The two-blade prop is available in 78-, 80- and 83-inch diameters, compatible with most Lycoming 360 and 390 series engines, with no placards or restrictions. A three-blade version can be had in 80-, 82- and 85-inch diameters for higher horsepower applications.
As part of the celebration this week Hartzell Propeller is giving four Sun ’n’ Fun attendees a chance to ride with Team AeroDynamix's precision pilots by asking them to participate in a social media contest. Entrants should post pictures of themselves getting ready for Sun ’n’ Fun to Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest with the hashtag #FlyWithHartzell. The four ride winners will be chosen at random on April 2 and will fly with Team AeroDynamix on April 5. Some restrictions apply; see Hartzellprop.com/FlyWithHartzell for details.
