What Hartzell Propeller does

Hartzell Propeller, founded in 1917 and headquartered in Piqua, Ohio, designs and manufactures advanced aircraft propeller systems — aluminum and second-generation composite (ASC-II) blades using carbon fiber and Kevlar — for certified piston and turboprop aircraft, military and government platforms, agricultural aviation, kit and experimental builders, UAVs, and the emerging advanced air mobility market. The company employs more than 350 people, operates from a newly expanded 150,000-sq-ft Innovation Center, and produces over 400 blade designs configurable in 2- through 6-blade hubs, supported by proprietary PROP Code aerodynamic/structural analysis software, ANSYS FEA, in-house test labs, and resin transfer molding (RTM) manufacturing under an FAA Organization Delegation Authorization for Type Certificate and Supplemental Type Certificate work. Hartzell also offers governors, spinners, electro-thermal de-ice systems, Tanis engine preheat products, and the WhirlWind airboat propeller line.

Hartzell generates revenue primarily through one-time hardware sales of propeller systems, with recurring service revenue from overhaul and repair via its Piqua-based Hartzell Service Center and a global network of Recommended Service Facilities (RSF), Service and Support Centers (SSC), prop shops, distributors, and brokers. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed; the Top Prop conversion program is sold as a one-time purchase with an industry-leading Ironclad Plus Three warranty (3 years / 1,000 hours) and a 2,400-hour / 6-year TBO standard. The company sells direct to OEMs (Piper Aircraft, Thrush, Air Tractor, DAHER-SOCATA, Cirrus, Beechcraft, CASA, Dornier, Van's Aircraft), through enterprise field sales to military and government buyers, via channel partners globally, and through consulting engineering-driven engagements for customization and certification support.

Hartzell is a subsidiary of Signia Aerospace, which is committed to a $40 million investment across the Piqua site, and has secured a $2 million JobsOhio R&D grant to support the Innovation Center build-out. In July 2025, Hartzell became the first company to earn FAA Part 35 certification for a propeller specifically designed for electric aircraft propulsion — developed in collaboration with Beta Technologies — establishing a first-mover position in the certified AAM propeller market.

Name

Hartzell Propeller

Legal name

Hartzell Propeller LLC

Website

https://hartzellprop.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1917

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Hartzell Propeller designs and manufactures aluminum and composite aircraft propeller systems for certified OEMs, military, agricultural aviation, kit builders, and the emerging advanced air mobility market, serving global customers from its Piqua, Ohio headquarters under FAA ODA certification authority.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aircraft Propeller Systems

NAICS

Aircraft Manufacturing (336411)

SIC

Aircraft Engines & Engine Parts (3724), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728), Aircraft & Parts (3720)

akta.pro primary industry

Propellers, Rotors & Open-Rotor Propulsors (IMABADAI)

akta.pro secondary industry

Propellers & Waterjets (IMAJAHAE)

Keywords

• Aircraft propeller systems
• Composite propeller blades
• Propeller overhaul services
• Advanced air mobility
• General aviation components

Headquarters

HQ city

Piqua

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Aircraft Propeller Sales: Hartzell generates revenue through the design, development, manufacture, and sale of aircraft propeller systems including aluminum and composite propellers, governors, spinners, and ice protection equipment. Sales are made directly to aircraft manufacturers (OEM), through distributors and prop shops globally, and to end-user aircraft owners and operators. Revenue is primarily one-time hardware sales with some recurring service revenue from overhaul and repair.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Hartzell Propeller designs, manufactures, and sells aircraft propeller systems including aluminum and advanced carbon fiber/Kevlar composite propellers (ASC-II), governors, spinners, and electro-thermal de-ice/anti-ice systems for certified piston, turboprop, military, agricultural, UAV, and emerging electric aircraft. The company also operates the Hartzell Service Center in Piqua, Ohio, and a global Recommended Service Facilities (RSF) network for propeller overhaul, repair, and warranty work.

Product overview

Hartzell Propeller is a century-old aircraft propeller manufacturer offering a comprehensive portfolio of propeller systems, components, and services. The product lineup spans three main categories: (1) Propeller Systems — aluminum and composite propellers (Advanced Structural Composite ASC-II with carbon/Kevlar blades) for piston and turboprop aircraft in 2- to 6-blade configurations; (2) Supporting Products — spinners, governors, de-ice/ice protection systems, and Tanis engine preheat products; and (3) Services — the Hartzell Service Center for overhaul and repair, plus a global network of Recommended Service Facilities. Key product sub-brands include Top Prop STC Conversions (performance upgrades), the Voyager/Trailblazer/Pathfinder backcountry series, Falcon Series for Rotax engines, Kestrel and Yukon for specific aircraft, and the Talon aerobatic propeller. The company is expanding into Advanced Air Mobility with electric aircraft propellers (FAA Part 35 certified with Beta Technologies), while continuing military, UAV, agricultural, and kitplane offerings. The February 2026 Innovation Center consolidates carbon fiber blade production, WhirlWind airboat propellers, and the Hartzell Service Center under one roof.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• WhirlWind Propellers: A subsidiary brand of Hartzell Propeller that produces propeller products for various aircraft applications
• Hartzell Service Center
• Top Prop
• ASC-II (Advanced Structural Composite)

Products and services

• Top Prop STC Conversions Propeller conversion program allowing pilots to upgrade existing certified aircraft with Hartzell scimitar-blade, blended-airfoil, and structural composite propellers delivering shorter takeoffs, lower noise, better climb rates, and enhanced cruise speeds.
• ASC-II Composite Propeller Blades Second-generation composite propeller blades using carbon/Kevlar laminate integrated into a co-molded stainless steel shank with electroformed nickel erosion shield, offering up to 16 lb weight savings, potential 50,000 flight-hour service life, and repairability for certified piston and turbine aircraft.
• Aluminum Propellers

Quantifiable outcome

• 16 lb (7.3 kg) weight savings on Cirrus SR-22 compared to aluminum propeller
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core / flagship, secondary and minor.

• Beta Technologiescore / flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 February 2026Hartzell collaborates with Beta Technologies on advanced air mobility propeller development. The partnership resulted in Hartzell's FAA Part 35 Type certification for the first propeller specifically designed for electric aircraft propulsion systems, supporting Beta's advanced air mobility aircraft program.
• The Blackhawk GroupsecondaryImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 13 October 2025Hartzell partnered with The Blackhawk Group to enhance services and support for aircraft operators concerning performance upgrades, maintenance, and overhaul solutions. The collaboration involves providing Hartzell propellers, comprehensive maintenance, and integrating Hartzell's preheat systems through The Blackhawk Group's Performance Centers, promoting Hartzell's technology at NBAA-BACE 2025.
• Signia Aerospace (Parent Company)core / flagshipOthersSignia Aerospace is Hartzell's parent company, planning a $40 million commitment across two buildings at the Piqua site, including Hartzell's Innovation Center. Signia Aerospace ownership provides strategic backing for Hartzell's continued growth and investment in advanced manufacturing capabilities.
• Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerHartzell supports the Recreational Aviation Foundation with a $1,000 discount on backcountry propellers for RAF members, plus a $250 contribution to the RAF mission for every member who purchases a new Hartzell backcountry prop. This partnership promotes backcountry flying and preserves/improves airstrips for recreational access.
• Piper Aircraftcore / flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLong-standing OEM relationship where Hartzell propellers are an integral part of Piper's aircraft. Piper President & CEO Simon Caldecott cited Hartzell's design, manufacturing, and support as indisputably integral to Piper's legacy and current success.
• Thrush Aircraftcore / flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThrush Aircraft is a long-term OEM partner for agricultural aviation propellers. Thrush President Payne Hughes stated that Hartzell provides timely deliveries and first-class service to support Thrush's customers.
• Air Tractorcore / flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAir Tractor uses Hartzell propellers as the preferred/standard propeller supplier for its agricultural aircraft fleet. Hartzell provides excellent customer support for mutual customers.
• DAHER-SOCATAcore / flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHartzell is the propeller supplier for DAHER-SOCATA's TBM700/850 turboprop aircraft since 1990, with over 650 aircraft produced using Hartzell propellers.
• Van's Aircraftcore / flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVan's Aircraft offers Hartzell propellers as recommended options for RV kit aircraft series (RV-3 through RV-10). Hartzell propellers provide 360 ft take-off and 211 MPH max speed on RV-10.
• Cirrus Aircraftcore / flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHartzell supplies composite propellers for Cirrus Aircraft's SR-22, with ASC-II propellers achieving 16 lb weight savings vs. aluminum and potential 50,000 flight-hour service life.
• Aerobatic Pilots (Michael Goulian, Sean D. Tucker, Team AeroDynamix)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerHartzell sponsors top aerobatic pilots including Michael Goulian, Sean D. Tucker, and Team AeroDynamix. Sean D. Tucker won the 2017 Bob Hoover Trophy. These sponsorships build brand credibility and visibility in the aviation community.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• McCauley Propeller Systems (Textron Aviation): McCauley, a Textron Aviation subsidiary, designs and manufactures aluminum and composite aircraft propellers primarily for Cessna and Beechcraft piston and turboprop platforms. It is the most direct propeller-on-propeller competitor to Hartzell in the certified general aviation and light turboprop segments.
• MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH: MT-Propeller is a German manufacturer of certified composite propellers for general aviation, agricultural, and utility aircraft, with a strong STC-driven upgrade business analogous to Hartzell's Top Prop program. It competes head-to-head in the composite GA and STC conversion market.
• Sensenich Wood Propeller: Sensenich manufactures fixed-pitch and ground-adjustable wood, composite, and aluminum propellers for experimental, light sport, and certified general aviation aircraft. It is a long-standing competitor in the kit and experimental propeller segment where Hartzell also plays.
• Aviat Aircraft: Aviat Aircraft manufactures the Husky and other specialty backcountry aircraft that use Hartzell Trailblazer and related propellers, but Aviat itself competes with Hartzell-adjacent kit and backcountry propeller users through its own aircraft programs. It is comparable as a stakeholder in the same certified backcountry and bush aviation ecosystem.

Broad incumbents

• Dowty Propellers (GE Aerospace): Dowty Propellers, part of GE Aerospace, produces large composite propellers and rotor systems for regional turboprops, military transports, and maritime patrol aircraft. It operates at a larger scale and different end-markets than Hartzell, but overlaps in propeller technology and military propulsion.
• Hamilton Standard (Collins Aerospace / RTX): Hamilton Standard, now within Collins Aerospace, has historically supplied propellers and propulsion systems for large military and commercial platforms. While much broader than Hartzell, it represents an incumbent aerospace propulsion player with overlapping propeller heritage.
• Ratier-Figeac (Figeac Aero): Ratier-Figeac, a brand within Figeac Aero, manufactures propellers and helicopter rotor systems for business jets (Dassault) and military platforms. It is comparable to Hartzell as a propeller specialist with strong OEM relationships but operates at higher price points and in business/military aviation rather than GA.
• GKN Aerospace: GKN Aerospace is a tier-one supplier of aerostructures and propulsion system components, including propeller-related assemblies for military and civil platforms. It is a much larger and broader aerospace supplier that competes with Hartzell at the propulsion component level in defense and regional programs.

Emerging players

• Beta Technologies: Beta Technologies is an electric advanced air mobility OEM developing the Alia eVTOL and charge infrastructure. It is Hartzell's co-development partner for the FAA Part 35 certified electric aircraft propeller and an emerging customer/partner as the AAM market takes shape.

Others

• WhirlWind Propellers: WhirlWind Propellers is actually a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hartzell that produces airboat propellers out of the same Piqua Innovation Center. Listed as a peer for completeness given its independent brand identity and airboat propeller overlap, though it is operationally integrated into Hartzell.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/hartzellprop
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCo-6x6k-2zMsjXdu3-EerJg
• Facebookfacebook.com/hartzellprop
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hartzell-propeller
• Instagraminstagram.com/hartzellprop

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hartzell Propeller