Hartzell Opens Propeller Innovation Center In Ohio

Hartzell Propeller has opened a 150,000-sq-ft innovation center that will focus its efforts to help advance propulsion technology. The facility at its Piqua, Ohio, headquarters is backed by a $2 million grant from JobsOhio, with the company committing to invest more than $10 million in the center over the next five years on top of the $30 million already invested.

The facility houses production of both Hartzell’s carbon fiber aircraft propellers and its WhirlWind airboat propellers. Also under the same roof is the factory’s service center, which is part of Hartzell’s global support network.

“Combined with the support of JobsOhio, the innovation center also enables critical research and development for emerging markets such as advanced air mobility, incuding our collaboration with Beta Technologies,” said Hartzell Propeller president JJ Frigge. “Together, this investment accelerates our ability to transform ideas into certified, real-world solutions that advance aviation today and well into the future.”

Hartzell, which employs more than 350 at its headquarters, has been making aircraft propellers for more than a century since founder Robert Hartzell was persuaded by Orville Wright in 1917 to diversify his family business. Its first propellers were made by hand using walnut.

In July, Hartzell earned FAA Part 35 certification for the first propeller specifically designed for electric aircraft propulsion systems. Blade’s Alia CX300 and 250 aircraft employ the five-blade carbon fiber propellers.