Tim Palcho, chief instructor and lecturer
at Kent State, and Hartzel Propeller, Inc.
employees stand beside a Piper Seminole
aircraft during the company's initial visit to
Kent State.

The Kent State University aeronautics program has partnered with Hartzell Propeller Inc. on its new Scimitar Top Prop two-bladed propeller that offers improved performance and reduced noise levels.

Hartzell Propeller is widely recognized as the leader in advanced propeller design and manufacturing technology for twin-engine aircrafts, and recently developed the two-bladed propeller, which representatives from Kent State University’s aeronautics program are providing feedback on.

The new Hartzell Top Prop kit with blended airfoil Scimitar-shaped aluminum alloy blades offer improved take-off and climb performance for Piper Seminole aircrafts.

“The new propellers will benefit Kent State University and the surrounding area in many ways — the most significant of which will be improved fuel efficiency and reduced noise profile for the twin-engine Piper Seminole aircraft, also known as The President Carol Cartwright,” says Isaac Richmond Nettey, Ph.D., associate dean of Kent State’s College of Technology and a professor in the aeronautics program.

Nettey says that the Kent State University Airport, which is located in Stow, is always concerned about citizens in the area and hopes to further develop its reputation with them through its partnership with Hartzell.

“One of the most significant benefits to Kent State University will be the record of accomplishments that has been achieved through partnership with the industry to make an important breakthrough in aeronautics,” says Nettey. “It is a wonderful opportunity to impact technological development in aeronautics.”

Kent State’s aeronautics program will receive a free pair of the new two-bladed propellers because of its collaboration with Hartzell Propeller. The free pair of the new two-bladed propellers has a retail value of about $25,000. With the addition of these new propellers, the installation will complement the two twin-engine aircrafts that the university currently has.

“Top Prop conversions are one of the easiest and most economical methods for improving the value and utility of their aircraft,” Mike Trudeau, Hartzell program manager, says in a release. “We are particularly honored to have partnered with Kent State in this development program, since they provided real-world input and feedback from their flight operations, throughout the process.”

For more information about the aeronautics program at Kent State, visit www.kent.edu/technology/undergraduate/aeronautics.cfm.

For more information about Hartzell Propeller Inc., visit www.hartzellprop.com.