New Hartzell 5-Blade prop boosts speed, climb rates for Turbine Evolution

Evolution Aircraft has completed extensive performance and noise testing confirming the performance improvements of the new Hartzell five-blade composite swept tip constant speed prop for the Turbine Evolution.

The new technology 82.5-inch diameter five-blade propeller is available as an optional performance upgrade in place of the four-blade Hartzell aluminum propeller that is standard equipment on the Turbine Evolution. In addition to new aircraft kits, the new carbon fiber propeller is available as an upgrade for the 65 Turbine Evolutions flying today. Even though the new propeller has one more blade, it is 3.5 pounds lighter than the standard propeller including spinner and de-ice.

In flight tests comparing the four-blade aluminum prop with Hartzell's new five-blade structural composite propeller, Elite Pilot Services documented a three knot increase in cruise speed and a 144 feet per minute increase in climb rate in theTurbine Evolution. "This gives pilots and owners of the Turbine Evolution a new propeller option to get higher faster and fly faster at altitude," said Evolution Aircraft CEO Bob Wolstenholme.

"Much like the Turbine Evolution itself, modern propeller technology, advanced manufacturing methods and advanced aerodynamics combine to bump the airplane's speedy performance to the next level," said Hartzell Propeller President Joe Brown. "With Hartzell's true carbon fiber propeller blades and the Turbine Evolution's all carbon fiber airframe, this legendary high performance aircraft goes even faster and has an even better climb rate."

The new five-blade Hartzell carbon fiber prop will be displayed on a Turbine Evolution aircraft during EAA AirVenture, July 2016. Hartzell Propeller will also exhibit its other composite technology props, including a swept-tip Trailblazer prop.

Pilot and CFI Sean E. VanHatten with Elite Air Services conducted the flight performance comparisons. "Time to climb, true airspeed at various altitudes, and propeller braking were all quantified. General handling characteristics and subjective pilot observations were also noted," he wrote in his report. "On average, the five blade propeller results in three knots faster true airspeed, 144 feet per minute faster rate of climb, and a 13 percent increase in deceleration."