Hartzell Propeller to supply lightweight 5-blade props for Piaggio Avanti EVO

Hartzell Propeller Inc. will supply new advanced lightweight propellers to Piaggio Aero Industries for its third generation twin-engine Avanti EVO, the world's fastest production turboprop.

For the EVO, Hartzell worked with Piaggio to develop new highly swept wide-chord aluminum alloy propellers that in conjunction with changes to the nacelle and engine exhaust geometry combine to reduce external noise by 68 percent or five dB(A). Passenger comfort is also improved by a cabin noise reduction of 20 percent, or one dB(A), attributable in large measure to Hartzell's five-blade scimitar design.

Piaggio Aero Chief Executive Officer Carlo Logli said, “The tremendous noise reduction in the Avanti EVO is a huge engineering achievement for the Piaggio and Hartzell development team. As Piaggio Aero embarks on a new chapter in its growth and future development, thanks to the support of our shareholders, the new aircraft is a perfect starting point that underpins future growth.”

Hartzell Propeller President Joe Brown said, “The Hartzell Propeller team worked hard as propeller RPM was reduced from 2,000 to 1,800 to achieve the desired external noise reduction, while maintaining Piaggio's exceptional flight performance. The EVO's engineering and design challenge was verified by thermal testing of the exhaust temperatures over the pusher props. We were able to accomplish Piaggio's Avanti EVO performance objectives while very significantly reducing the interior and exterior noise profile.”

The EVO will come equipped with two Hartzell 85” diameter, five blade, fully feathering and reversible, hydraulically controlled, constant speed propellers. Hartzell Propeller also provides props for the Piaggio Avanti II and Piaggio's recently announced unmanned Hammerhead.