Story ID: 614
BLR Celebrates Whisper Prop Milestone
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: Supplier MT-Propeller's 20,000th constant speed unit was installed as part of the company's Whisper Prop system.
Word Count: 341
Washington State-based aftermarket performance upgrade provider BLR Aerospace is celebrating a milestone for the five-blade "Whisper Prop" propeller, which was recently installed on a Beechcraft King Air 200, along with the company’s winglet system. The Whisper Prop system delivered to owner Andrew Birrell was the 20,000 constant-speed propeller built by German manufacturer MT-Propeller. More than 2,000 of units delivered thus far have been for five-blade turboprops.

“We congratulate Andrew on his upgraded aircraft and MT-Propeller on this impressive milestone,” said BLR president Mike Carpenter. “The combination of winglets and Whisper Prop is delivering powerful performance improvements to customers worldwide.”

Available for the King Air 90, 200 and 300 series, the Whisper Prop is a carbon-fiber propeller with a natural composite core that reduces vibration and provides up to 50 percent reduction in noise compared with standard King Air 200 propellers. “The Whisper Props have been a revelation to me,” Birrell said, noting improved takeoff acceleration, climb performance and cruise speed.

When installed in conjunction with BLR’s winglets, the system delivers runway length reductions up to 33 percent and significant gains in useful load, according to the company. Other benefits include a time between overhaul (TBO) of 3,600 hours and six years, with unlimited blade life.

BLR (Booth C10225) also announced it has added four new dealers to its network for fixed-wing upgrades, including AMK Aviation of Ontario, Canada; Rose Aircraft Services in Mena, Arkansas; Tiffin Aire of Tiffin, Ohio; and Upper Valley Aviation in Canada’s British Columbia. Carpenter welcomed the new members, adding, “With more than 40 dealers worldwide, we have strong global coverage for customers everywhere.”

Among its latest customers is Southwest Specialty Foods, whose King Air 90 just received the BLR winglet and Whisper Prop systems, along with an eye-catching new red and yellow paint scheme from Rose Aircraft Services.

“This upgrade was the best decision I’ve made,” said Jeff Jacobs, president and CEO of the food purveyor. “My time to altitude has been reduced by 25 percent and the quietness is just unbelievable.”