Cessna's McCauley Propeller Systems division has achieved ASTM compliance for a new two-blade, fixed-pitch composite propeller for the C162 Skycatcher LSA.
The 1L100 is a new all composite fixed-pitch propeller specifically designed for the Skycatcher's Teledyne Continental Motors O-200D engine. It consists of a continuous fibre, single piece design, giving it high strength as well as light weight.
Cessna had hoped the 1L100 propeller would be ready for the very first customer Skycatchers, which were delivered late last year. But while that wasn’t to be, new C162 owners can now get the composite propeller in place of the metal prop that originally came with the aircraft.
With the new prop attached, the total weight of the aircraft drops by a little under two kilograms and slightly increases its payload.
“This is the first of a planned family of composite propellers we have in development, designed for a range of aircraft,” McCauley Vice President and General Manager Peter Wilkinson said. “We're excited to have this announcement come on the heels of our consolidation of McCauley."
Cessna consolidated its McCauley operations in early July to better focus resources on development programs such as the 1L100. McCauley is owned by Cessna Aircraft Company.
McCauley will continue testing the 1L100 to gain Federal Aviation Administration CFR Part 35 certification, making the propeller available to a wider range of aircraft.
The latest we here is that the first Skycatchers are still on track to arrive in Australia later this year. Here's hoping.