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| The vibration testing of McCauley's new 5-blade composite prop on the Beechcraft Denali was recently completed. [Image courtesy of Textron Aviation] |
In the ongoing process leading up to certification for the Beechcraft Denali, key tests have been completed by both the airframe and a newly developed propeller for a newly developed engine.
Textron Aviation's McCauley division made the announcement on its various social media platforms on Wednesday that the C1106 propeller had successfully finished vibration testing while coupled to the GE Catalyst turboprop powerplant that is intended to propel the Denali.
The five-blade composite propeller would live the commencement to the field with the Catalyst. It completed current of air tunnel testing final December in Switzerland at RUAG.
"This is a significant achievement for the entire McCauley team," said John Dandurand, vice president and general manager of McCauley Propeller Systems. "With the completion of vibration testing, we are one step closer to certifying our novel propeller for the high-performance Denali turboprop."
McCauley described the nature of the testing simply completed in a written report to FLYINGMAG. "The vibration testing consisted of performing strain tests from idle to maximum power," according to the company. "The propeller exceeded all expectations. The Catalyst engine employs a proprietary internal electronic propeller control organization, allowing the FADEC to optimize operation at all stages of flight."
Denali Prop Specs
The 105-inch diameter C1106 prop is fully feathering, alongside reverse pitch, in addition to nickel-plated leading edge guards. The prop actuates via a single-acting hydraulic control organization. The 1-piece forged aluminum hub is a new design for the fellowship, and it weighs 150 pounds. Electric anti-ice and de-water ice functions will be included also on the Denali installation.
McCauley hopes to achieve a time between overhauls (TBO) of 200,000 hours, or 72 calendar months. Textron Aviation expects the Denali to be certified in the first half of 2024, following a rescheduling of the timeline to accommodate the concurrent Cessna SkyCourier program.
