Hartzell Propeller Introduces New Scimitar Top Prop™ 3-Bladed Conversion for Beech Baron 55 Twins

Piqua, Ohio – May 2, 2011. Hartzell Propeller Inc. has received FAA approval of a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) that covers a new 3-bladed propeller conversion kit for the Beechcraft Baron 55 fleet. This new Top Prop conversion provides Beechcraft Baron owners with improved reliability, added performance and decreased noise levels.

Top Prop program manager Mike Trudeau says, “In our continuing quest to provide customers with the most advanced propeller designs, Hartzell’s aero engineering team has engineered these propellers with superior performance and improved aesthetics in mind.” This same 7391 ‘Scimitar’ blade was the choice of Hawker Beechcraft for the celebrated 50^th’ anniversary special edition G58 Baron, and is currently offered as optional equipment on the HBC production line. Now, it’s available as a Top Prop kit to enhance all 55 models, as well as earlier 58s from 1970 to the present.

The new Hartzell Top Prop kit features Scimitar aluminum alloy blades, derived from Hartzell’s Reno Super Sport race-winning design, provide an increased ground clearance as well as a noise reduction of 5.8 dB(a), as compared to their original 84” 2-blade, and 1.1 dB(a) lower that the 76” standard 3-blade props. Installation of the propeller typically results in a 2- to 4-knot increase in speed at high power settings when compared to the originally installed propellers.

The new propeller kit is available for Beech Baron models 95-55, 95-A55, 95-B55, 95-B55A, 95-B55B, 95-C55, 95-C55A, D55, D55A, E55 and E55A.

Available directly from Hartzell or through Hartzell’s Top Prop dealers, the 2011 list price for these kits, which include new pointed, polished aluminum spinner assemblies, range from $21,500 to $26,850 depending on propeller model and equipment. Kits are available with 14V or 28V de-icing systems or fully compatible alcohol anti-ice systems with newly designed slingers and stainless steel travel tubes. The new propellers carry the exclusive Hartzell warranty, which delivers a full three years or 1000 hours of coverage, and have a six-year/2400 hour TBO.

With more than 18,000 Top Prop conversions sold, Hartzell offers pilots one of the easiest and most economical methods for improving the value of their aircraft. More than 70 different Beechcraft, Cessna, Commander, Diamond, Mooney, Piper, and SOCATA kits are currently available, making the Top Prop family the largest and most complete propeller conversion offerings in the world.

Hartzell Propeller is widely recognized as the leader in advanced propeller design and manufacturing technology. The company has developed the next generation of propellers based upon innovative "blended airfoil" technology and is manufacturing these blades using a combination of revolutionary machining centers and robotics; and with its new ASC-II™ composite technology, to provide mission-optimized performance for its customers. Hartzell has appointed 21 companies worldwide as Recommended Service Facilities. It traces its beginnings in 1917 to a business relationship with Orville Wright and was founded on the principle of "Built on Honor" - a tradition that continues today.