I was secretly hoping for a new composite prop that is weight and price competitive with the Whirlwind.
The 2 blade looks brand new and doesn't appear on Hartzell's site anywhere, yet. Will CG be an issue for heavier RV-10s? The existing 2-blade Hartzell aluminum prop is around 55 lbs, I believe.
I am really close to ordering a prop.
Does anyone have the links or info on the new two blade fornthe 360?
In the Hartsell booth they had no information and referred me to Vans. He said it’s 20 lbs lighter with identical performance (other than weight) but more expensive. Benefit claimed is in durability and longevity. The new prop was mounted on the RV-14 demo plane in the Vans booth.
I have a lighter -10 (1605 lbs BEW) and cg when I'm solo is near the forward limit. But if I load it to gross, with 90 lbs in the baggage area, my spreadsheet says: (1) an 18 lb lighter prop will move the cg back 1/2". (2) If I use that 18 lbs savings to put anther 18 lbs into the baggage area, cg goes back another 1/2". So yes, I'd say operators need to be mindful of cg even more than now, if they use the lighter prop. It's enough to matter.
PS This was with full fuel. Burning fuel makes the cg move aft. So again, be more careful with a lighter prop.
Identical performance is a pretty tall claim compared to the aluminum blended airfoil. I would sure like to see one of our trusted builders do the test - Kevin H, Dan H, Paul D. Nigel S. In fact if Hartzell really wants to sell them, give one to each. Efficiency is the key drawback for the venerable Hartzell wide blade composite and while it has other limitations, but this one is harder to overcome.
Thanks for the post!! My 7605 blades have been said to be 3 kts slower and it appears this might be low! I have been disappointed with my speed. Very attractive alternative at the same weight.See attached for some initial details and flight test data for the new two blade propeller. Details haven't made it into Manual 193 yet, but will when I have time for a revision.
Van's is in the process of testing the prop and doesn't have official findings yet.
Our performance flight testing was on an RV-8, I swapped the lead acid battery (in the stock aft location) for a lithium to compensate on the weight and balance. The weight reduction may or may not be beneficial depending your particulars.
Some of you here unknowingly contributed to the design by posting your real world flight conditions which I used during the design process, so thanks.
I like the weight, performance, look and company. Will I like the price enough to choose it over a WW 300?
I have similar thoughts/questions.