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Composite and aluminum propeller manufacturer (Piqua, Ohio, U.S.) reported on July 7 that aircraft manufacturer (Yakima, Wash., U.S.) has chosen two of Hartzell’s next-generation carbon fiber structural composite three-blade Pathfinder propellers as the sole options for CubCrafter’s nosewheel NXCub, which is headed to certification and production.

“The Hartzell team is very pleased to continue our longstanding relationship with CubCrafters,” comments Hartzell Propeller president JJ Frigge. “The new NXCub has the opportunity of opening up backcountry flying to a much broader portion of the pilot population, and we are privileged to take part.”

According to Hartzell, with updated aerodynamics and internal structure, the Pathfinder is quieter, smoother, and, like the popular two-blade Hartzell Trailblazer propeller, it is optimized for backcountry operations. The Pathfinder propeller with aluminum hub and structural composite blades weighs 44 pounds and is a three-blade alternative to the reliable Trailblazer prop.

Additionally, Hartzell points to its carbon fiber composite two-blade Trailblazer propeller, which will be standard equipment on the NXCub. Both Pathfinder and Trailblazer propellers will be offered with a 76-inch diameter on the aircraft. Paired with CubCrafters Lycoming CC393i engine, Hartzell says the propellers continue a tradition of increasing performance with the aircraft manufacturer.

“Hartzell was the perfect collaborator as we went through this process. Backcountry flying is a part of their heritage. Working with a teammate like Hartzell, with their experience developing new aircraft with OEMs, was a rewarding experience and will give our customers an extra measure of confidence wherever they fly,” says CubCrafters president Patrick Horgan.