Mike Goulian’s Extra with the Hartzell Talon Propeller. (Photo: Hartzell Propeller)

Hartzell Propeller received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for its specially designed three-blade high performance Talon prop for installation on an Extra 300L two-seat aerobatic aircraft. The Talon features an enhanced aerodynamic design, explains Hartzell, coupled with the company’s ASC-II resin transfer carbon fibre process.

The Talon’s launch customer Michael Goulian, one of North America’s most decorated aerobatic pilots, has been flying the propeller on his single-seat Extra in air shows for several years. “I have made a living flying Hartzell props in aerobatic shows and very competitive air races for years,” Goulian said. “My flights with Hartzell’s Talon showed an increase in performance, while also contributing to crisper execution of the aerobatic maneuvers that are the hallmark of my show.”

The 78-inch diameter Hartzell Talon replaces the standard wood core three-blade propeller to provide what the company described as a 2.5 per cent increase in takeoff acceleration, five per cent decrease in takeoff distance, and a five per cent increase in climb performance. Hartzell explains its blade technology results in low weight, low inertia, higher durability, and low lifecycle costs.

The Talon consists of what Hartzell describes as a unique monocoque structure of advanced composite material, consisting of carbon fibre laminates integrated into a co-molded stainless-steel shank. The outboard half of the leading edge, explains the company. is protected with a co-molded electroformed nickel erosion shield.

List price for the prop, spinner and STC paperwork is US$29,301. Time Between Overhaul (TBO) is six years or 1,000 hours, whichever occurs first.