What is a composite propeller and what are its advantages?
The Hartzell composite blade is composed of a metal blade shank retention section onto which is molded a low-density foam core that supports built-up layers of composite laminate. Advantages of composite blades include longer service life and substantial weight reduction over conventional aluminum blades. The composite blade service life is longer because most damage to composites can be repaired and returned to service, while damage to an aluminum blade requires removal of material and it ultimately falls under dimensional limits for strength and must be retired from service.
