Raisbeck Composite 5-Blade for King Air® 200 Receives STC Approval

Raisbeck Engineering announced this week that it had received Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its Composite Five-Blade Swept Propeller for the Beechcraft King Air® 200 series aircraft. The STC approval paves the way for the company to begin deliveries to King Air® 200 owners and operators in December. 

Designed to improve performance and passenger comfort, the new five-blade composite propeller delivers more than 15 percent greater takeoff acceleration, over 20 percent better climb rate and a 30% noise reduction throughout the aircraft.

Manufactured by Hartzell Propeller and constructed of structural carbon fiber composite with nickel cobalt leading edges to protect against foreign object damage, the Composite Five-Blade Swept Propellers optimize airfoil efficiency allowing for a larger 96-inch diameter propeller with less blade tip noise. The new propeller system also offers King Air® operators an average of 48 pounds total weight savings versus factory-standard propellers and features unlimited blade life, thereby lowering maintenance and overhaul costs. 

“We’re very excited about this latest performance improvement certification for the King Air® 200 aircraft,” said Raisbeck President Lynn Thomas. “Our new composite five-blade propeller will enable King Air® owners to take advantage of a broader offering and more opportunity to upgrade the performance of their aircraft.”

The Composite Five-Blade Swept Propeller made its public debut Oct. 22, 2019, at the National Business Aviation Association’s Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas, Nevada. STC approval efforts to begin immediately for European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Transport Canada and the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC).

Press release: Raisbeck