MT Propeller distributor Flight Resource unveiled a new 80-inch-diameter, two-blade scimitar composite propeller system for certain American Champion, Aviat and Cessna aircraft. Announced this week at EAA AirVenture 2016, the new lighter weight “Ultra” propeller was designed to reduce cost and improve life cycle.

The Ultra, which weighs 42 pounds and incorporates a Kevlar spinner, is equipped with life-unlimited, repairable composite blades with nickel-cobalt edges that increase protection, Flight Resource said. Priced less than similar two-blade propellers, the Ultra is also quieter and incorporates a new paint process to eliminate erosion.

Flight Resource (Booth 2014-2015 in Hangar B) also noted that flight tests on the Aviat Husky demonstrated that the new Ultra propeller provides a 4percent bump in cruise speed and 9-percent improvement in climb over the two-blade composite Hartzell Trailblazer.

The propeller is currently being certified for all Aviat Huskys, American Champion Scouts and Cessna 170s, 172s and 175s powered by Lycoming -360/390 series engines.