Hartzell Composite Propeller for Socata TBM 700/850 Gets FAA Nod

Hartzell received FAA STC approval for its swept composite five-blade propeller for the Daher Socata TBM 700/850. Hartzell already has taken orders for the propellers and deliveries to TBM owners are expected to begin “shortly.” With the new propeller, the TBM’s takeoff acceleration from zero to 90 knots is 10 percent faster, climb rate is improved by several hundred feet-per-minute and cruise is increased by two knots. The five-bladed prop is also quieter, Hartzell said.