Story ID: 
Sterna Showcases Composite Props
By: Amy Laboda
Caption: Extensive strength testing shows “hollow” composite propellers can take the punishment of day-to-day use.
Word Count: 161
It’s always fun to peruse the exhibit halls at Sun ’n‘ Fun on the first day of the show looking for products you’ve not seen before. This year, composite propeller manufacturer Sterna Composite Aircraft, a Los Angeles-based company, has brought its full line of products to show at Booth 016, Hangar B. The all-composite carbon fiber propellers from 63 inches to 78 inches in diameter that it is displaying are formed in one piece, with no foam core, and are primarily designed for ultralight, light sport aircraft, and airboat engines.

The strength of the Sterna propellers was evaluated by Auckland University’s tensile testing lab. Results showed that the test propellers were considerably stronger than ASTM F2506 calls for. Sterna is also exhibiting its 2024 aluminum propeller hubs that can be adapted to different blade shanks and engine flanges fitting Rotax, UL, Continental, and Lycoming engines, as well as its carbon-fiber spinner cones in diameters from 9.5 inches to 13 inches.