UTC Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp, and its Actuation & Propeller Systems (APS) business has achieved a major step with the production of its 2,200th A400M propeller blade. It is the blade for one of the world's most powerful all-composite propellers and is being delivered to Airbus Defence and Space for installation on its A400M, a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft.

"This significant achievement is a testament to the engineering and manufacturing expertise of our talented team at Actuation and Propeller Systems," said Andreas Schell, president, Actuation & Propeller Systems, a business unit of UTC Aerospace Systems. "I'm very proud of the team for their continued success supporting the A400M operational efficiency."

The A400M is a versatile military aircraft performing tactical, long-range and logistics missions, and can serve as an air-to-air refueling tanker. The aircraft has an advanced propeller system that features eight blades and handles twice the amount of power of any existing in-service propeller system in the western world. Driven by an 11,000-horsepower engine, the propeller system can operate at nearly 90 percent efficiency at high cruise speeds.

"The operational efficiency, durability and lighter weight of our all-composite propeller blade help contribute to significant cost savings to our customer," said Schell. "Reduced fuel consumption, improved aerodynamic performance, lower maintenance and longer life are also some of the key benefits."

The new, industry-leading propeller blade is produced by Ratier-Figeac, a French aviation company and subsidiary of UTC Aerospace Systems and its Actuation and Propeller Systems business. In 2015, the French government and UTC Aerospace Systems reached an agreement to develop next-generation propeller technologies for future turboprop aircraft. Through the HEART Propeller Research and Development Program, also known as HElices pour les futurs Avions Regionaux Turbopropulsés or propellers for future regional turboprop aircraft, UTC Aerospace Systems' Actuation and Propeller Systems business will develop technologies for a more advanced propeller. Project completion is expected by 2020.