The mission: a durable, dependable, high-wing aircraft with horsepower to perform in takeoff, climb and cruise while hauling tremendous loads.
What will be required to lift and drive that aircraft: a heavy-duty and reliable propeller designed to enhance the performance of the aircraft — the McCauley Propeller C779.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently awarded the new C779 propeller certification, a feat that would not have been possible without collaboration between the hard-working teams of the Cessna SkyCourier certification program and McCauley Propeller group.
McCauley specifically designed the C779 propeller for the SkyCourier’s overarching mission: high utilization.
The SkyCourier team knew the parameters they wanted the new aircraft to meet, including engine power, RPM, maximum propeller diameter, maximum weight and required performance. The program needed a new propeller to meet its needs.
Designing an aircraft is complicated and takes collaboration between many engineers, designers and testers. Every element of the aircraft, including the propeller, must work within a specific set of parameters to reach the overall performance requirements of the aircraft.
For the C779, the McCauley design group met the required parameters, ensuring a smooth addition to the aircraft. “They got it right,” said Darrel Hornbaker, the SkyCourier’s lead project engineer. “McCauley did exceptional work and I’m grateful to work with such a team.”
After designing the new propeller and signing off on the specs, McCauley proceeded to build certification articles and begin testing. Scott Randle, McCauley’s project engineer, said the whole process went smoothly, with only specific tests needing to be done, as the team completed the rest with analytics.
The 135 hours of testing consisted of endurance, functional testing and a blade retention system test at twice the maximum centrifugal load of the propeller during normal operation.
According to Hornbaker, the schedule was very tight, but that was no obstacle for the McCauley group.
“With such a great team, it is no surprise that the program went smoothly and certified on schedule, ahead of the SkyCourier’s requirements,” said Van Long, an engineering manager for McCauley.
Given the scale of the new Cessna SkyCourier, the C779 is now the largest 4-blade propeller McCauley manufactures.
Without the passion and dedication of our team members here at McCauley, we would not be celebrating our 82nd year as a leading aircraft propeller manufacturer.Emily Zintak, McCauley Value Stream Manager
During his 30 years with Textron Aviation, Long said he has been fortunate to have quality coworkers.
“Without the passion and dedication of our team members here at McCauley, we would not be celebrating our 82nd year as a leading aircraft propeller manufacturer,” said McCauley Value Stream Manager, Emily Zintak. “We are so excited to welcome a new set of end-customers to the McCauley family that we will serve now and in the future.”
Looking ahead, Zintak said that she looks forward to seeing the business prosper through similar partnerships, both in the new product development as well as aftermarket space.
Contact details
-
- Kate Hemm
-
Textron Aviation -
Sr. Communications Associate
TRU and McCauley - khemm@txtav.com
- +1.316.612.7843
-
- Lauren Loughran
-
Textron Aviation -
Sr. Communications Associate
Turboprops and Pistons - lloughran@txtav.com
- +1.316.517.3798
-
- Kevin Severin
-
Textron Aviation -
Sr. Communications Associate
Jets - kseverin@txtav.com
- 1.316.799.5488
Copy link
https://media.txtav.com/194171-collaboration-drives-success-for-cessna-skycourier-and-mccauleyRelated Topics
Related Stories
Textron Aviation continues investment in bestselling Cessna Citation business jets with introduction of new Cessna Ci...
Textron Aviation today announced the newest Cessna Citation business jet in the company’s legendary lineup — the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2. Unveiled on the eve of this week’s National Business Aviat...
Textron Aviation’s Maintenance and Paint Apprenticeship programs recognized by the Kansas Department of Commerce
Textron Aviation today announced that its Maintenance and Paint Apprenticeship programs have officially been recognized as state-registered apprenticeships through the Kansas Department of Commerce.
Cessna Citation Ascend mock up to make North American debut at NBAA-BACE 2023
Textron Aviation today announced its Cessna Citation Ascend mock up will make its North American show debut at the 2023 National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Convention and Exhib...
Textron Aviation announces confirmed order for first 20 Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft from Surf Air Mobility
Textron Aviation today announced that Surf Air Mobility Inc. has confirmed its order and paid the deposit for the first 20 Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft to be purchased under its previously anno...
Textron Aviation rolls out first production Cessna SkyCourier large-utility turboprop, highlights innovations in manu...
Textron Aviation today announced the rollout of the first production unit of the twin-engine, large-utility turboprop, the Cessna SkyCourier, at the company’s manufacturing facility in Wichita.