Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company today announced at EAA AirVenture that it has selected McCauley Propeller Systems for several of its leading turboprop and piston-engine aircraft, including the Cessna Grand Caravan EX, Cessna TTx and Beechcraft Baron.

“McCauley's innovation in the propeller segment has given us a great opportunity to make further enhancements to several of our proven platforms,” said Doug May, vice president, Pistons. “Being part of the Textron family of brands, McCauley has the distinct advantage of working side-by-side with Beechcraft and Cessna engineers, ensuring our products offer the greatest benefits to our customers.”

Cessna Grand Caravan EX soon to be equipped with McCauley four-blade propeller

McCauley's new swept scimitar Blackmac series four-blade aluminum propeller will soon come standard on Cessna's Grand Caravan EX aircraft. With the new propeller, Caravan operators will experience several benefits, including 15 pounds additional payload, increased ground clearance of two inches, a 10 percent improved climb performance and greater time before overhaul intervals. Certification is expected in the third quarter of this year with deliveries to follow. The new propeller is also offered as an aftermarket option through the Textron Aviation's company-owned service network. McCauley's Blackmac series four-blade aluminum propeller is on display alongside the Cessna Grand Caravan EX this week at the Textron Aviation display at EAA AirVenture.

McCauley Blackmac Carbon propeller certified for Cessna TTx installation

Later this quarter, Cessna TTx customers will have the option of equipping their aircraft with the McCauley Blackmac Carbon Series constant speed composite propeller, which will provide an improved useful load of approximately 35 pounds, a smoother ride and improved resistance to impact and blade erosion. 

McCauley's Blackmac Carbon Series composite propeller received FAA certification in May 2014 and has since received Supplemental Type Certification (STC) for the Cessna TTx. The Blacmac Carbon Series composite propeller is also approved for aftermarket installations on the Columbia 400, Cessna 400 and Corvalis TT. STC approval is underway for additional high performance piston aircraft.

Beechcraft Baron to be fitted with McCauley aluminum propeller

The Beechcraft Baron will soon be equipped with the McCauley C512 aluminum propellers as standard. The new propellers are 10 pounds lighter than the current installation, resulting in significant useful load improvement of 20 pounds. Deliveries of the McCauley-equipped Baron are expected to begin this quarter.