WICHITA, Kan., May 9, 2014 – McCauley Propeller Systems, a division of Cessna Aircraft Company, part of the Textron Aviation segment of Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT), announced today the FAA Certification of the McCauley Propeller Systems’ Blackmac Carbon Series constant speed composite propeller.
The propeller’s advanced composite materials and patented high-strength, low-weight continuous carbon loop blade retention system significantly reduces propeller assembly weight and improves product life.
“The low weight of the Blackmac Carbon Series propeller, offers the ability to improve payload without compromising strength or weight in other areas,” said Scott Howell, McCauley Business Leader. “McCauley has spearheaded innovation in the propeller industry for generations. Earnest McCauley was instrumental in designing and producing the first forged steel propeller in the 40’s, and today his legacy lives on with the certification of the Blackmac Carbon Series propeller.”
The scimitar propeller blades, optimized for balanced performance, are made of seamless carbon fiber and fiberglass material and feature electro-formed nickel leading edges providing a stronger, more durable and impact-resistant product.
The Blackmac Carbon Series is certified with no set maximum life and with an overhaul interval of 2,400 hours or 72 months. The Carbon Series retains McCauley’s standard industry leading parts—including the single-piece oil-filled hub—and labor warranty of 3 years or first overhaul. Compared to other aluminum propellers, it has 25 percent fewer parts. No other certified propeller rated at 350 Hp, wood or composite, weighs less.
The newly certified propeller will be on display at the 2014 Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Expo on May 12-15 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.
About McCauley Propeller Systems
McCauley Propeller Systems, a division of Cessna Aircraft Company, part of the Textron Aviation segment of Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT), is the world’s largest full-line propeller manufacturer and has been designing and manufacturing high-quality propellers and systems for the commercial, general aviation and defense industry for more than 75 years.
About Textron Aviation
The Textron Aviation segment is the leading general aviation authority and home to the iconic Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands which account for more than half of all general aviation aircraft flying. Textron Aviation includes the businesses of Cessna Aircraft Company and Beechcraft Corporation, bringing together decades of unmatched experience in designing, building and supporting airplanes. It provides the most versatile and comprehensive general aviation product portfolio in the world through five principal lines of business: business jets, general aviation and special mission turboprop aircraft, high performance piston aircraft, military trainer and defense aircraft, and a complete global customer service organization. Its broad range of products include such best-selling aircraft as Citation and Hawker business jets, King Air and Caravan turboprops and T-6 military trainer aircraft, all of which are backed by the industry’s largest global service network. For more information, visit textronaviation.com.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, and Textron Systems. For more information visit: www.textron.com.
