Hartzell Propeller Boosts Green Flying Technology

Universal Hydrogen’s De Havilland Dash 8 hydrogen fuel-cell-powered testbed flies its first flight using a powertrain that includes a prop designed and tested for the experimental aircraft by Hartzell Propeller.

The five-blade swept airfoil carbon-fiber propeller, boasting a 91-inch-diameter, utilized derivative blades, hub and retention components from an existing 14 CFR Part 35-certified propeller. The specially designed Hartzell prop, smaller than the standard Dash 8 prop, provided thrust to keep the aircraft airborne when the other jet-fuel-powered turbine engine was throttled back during first flight.

“This project with Universal Hydrogen is one of many programs where Hartzell Propeller is working with and supporting advanced air-mobility manufacturers," says Hartzell Propeller president, JJ Frigge. "Hartzell Propeller has been around for over a hundred years, and carbon-free flight can power our next century.”

“We’ve been working with this team for almost two years as we step up our investments working on future, new aircraft design opportunities. Hartzell Propeller is pleased to be a part of this historic first flight of a hydrogen fuel-cell-powered regional airliner,” Frigge adds.

For more information, visit https://hartzellprop.com.