Hartzell Propeller Inc. has released a new two-bladed propeller conversion kit for Piper PA-23-250 Aztec twin-engine aircraft.
The new 77-inch diameter propeller uses blade-mounted counter-weights to provide redundant assistance to the propeller pitch control and feathering system, versus the original configuration that relies heavily on an air pressure charge for these functions.
Ohio-based Hartzell says the prop conversion provides Aztec owners with improved reliability, performance and reduced noise levels compared to previous models.
A unique swept-tip Scimitar “blended airfoil” blade design is used in the conversion to provide an increase in cruise speed of two to three knots as well as a noise reduction of almost 2 dB(a).
The new propellers are available for Piper Aztec PA-23-250 C to F models, serial numbers 27-2505 through to 27-8154030, installed with Lycoming IO-540-C4B5 or TIO-540-C1A engines. They replace Hartzell’s two-blade aluminum non-counter-weighted propeller models normally installed on these aircraft.
“Hartzell’s new Top Prop conversion for Piper Aztec aircraft will provide owners with one of the most cost-efficient ways of improving aircraft value through improved reliability, performance and noise levels,” Hartzell’s Top Prop program manager, Mike Trudeau, said.
The kit can be ordered with either a 14 or 28-volt de-ice system and includes composite spinners and its total installed weight is 62 pounds per side. The conversion does not require any change to the propeller governors.
The basic kit is offered at an introductory retail price of US$21,950, with a three-year / 1000-hour warranty and six-year / 2400-hour TBO.
For more on Hartzell props click here.
There are currently 37 examples of the Piper PA-23-250 Aztec on CASA's civil aircraft register.