The FAA has certified the Claw 2.0 composite propeller for aerobatic aircraft. The original Claw and the new Claw 2.0 are the only certified advanced composite propellers for aerobatic use, the company said.
The propeller has not yet gotten a supplemental type certificate for the aircraft; however, Hartzell is making the Claw 2.0 propeller available now for Extra 300/330 series aircraft flying in the Experimental category.
Airshow performer and former United States Unlimited Aerobatic Champion Michael Goulian used an experimental development version of this propeller on his Extra 330SC during the 2009 airshow campaign. He continues to use it during the 2010 airshow season.
“It has displayed all the characteristics that made the original Hartzell ‘Claw’ a market leader, but from a performance standpoint, it has more pulling power at the low end,” Goulian said. “It also has a more modern look. It is a natural and worthy stablemate to the Claw.”
This latest model comprises a unique lamination of carbon fiber and Kevlar, with an electroformed nickel leading edge erosion shield. The composite structure is co-molded on an integral stainless steel shank that accommodates bolt-on counterweights needed for aerobatics.
The Claw 2.0 has passed all required certification tests including bird strike, lightning strike, and fatigue strength. It has also passed a vibration stress test over the entire aerobatic envelope on Goulian’s Extra 330SC.
Alton K. Marsh
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