Composites and aluminum propeller manufacturer Hartzell Propeller (Hartzell Propeller Company, Piqua, Ohio, USA) reported on July 7 that aircraft manufacturer CubCrafters (Yakima, Washington, USA) has selected Hartzell’s next-generation carbon fiber structural composite Two of the three-blade Pathfinder propellers are the only front-wheel NXCub options of the propeller CubCrafter, and will be certified and produced soon.
"The Hartzell team is very pleased to continue to establish a long-term relationship with CubCrafters," said JJ Frigge, President of Hartzell Propellers. "The new NXCub aircraft has the opportunity to open field flights to a wider group of pilots, and we are fortunate to be involved."
According to Hartzell, with the updated aerodynamics and internal structure, the "Pathfinder" is quieter and more stable, and like the popular two-bladed Hartzell Trailblazer propeller, it is also optimized for field operations. The Pathfinder propeller with aluminum wheels and structural composite blades weighs 44 pounds and is a reliable three-bladed alternative to the Trailblazer propeller.
In addition, Hartzell pointed out that its carbon fiber composite two-bladed Trailblazer propeller will become standard equipment for NXCub aircraft. Both the Pathfinder and Trailblazer’s propellers are 76 inches in diameter. Hartzell said that when paired with the CubCrafters Lycoming CC393i engine, the propeller will continue the tradition of aircraft manufacturers to continuously improve performance.
"As we went through this process, Hartzell was the perfect collaborator. Cross-country flying is their traditional strength. CubCrafters President Patrick Horgan said: "Cooperating with partners like Hartzell, they have experience in developing new aircraft with OEMs. This is a useful experience, and it will give our customers full confidence no matter where they fly. "