McCauley Completes Wind Tunnel Testing For New Beechcraft Denali Propeller

The C1106 propeller is designed for use on Textron Aviation’s Beechcraft Denali. [Courtesy: McCauley Propeller Systems]

Wind tunnel testing of McCauley Propeller Systems C1106 propeller has been completed. The propeller is designed for use on Textron Aviation’s Beechcraft Denali, a clean-sheet single-engine turboprop.

Testing took place at RUAG International, an aerospace company located in Emmen, Switzerland. The Denali completed its first test flight last month.

The new propeller is a105-inch diameter, composite, five-blade, constant-speed design capable of full feathering with reversible pitch and ice protection.

The testing included full-scale and model-scale tests that, according to McCauley Propeller Systems vice president and general manager John Dandurand, provides valuable operational and performance data.

“Denali’s first flight with our new C1106 propeller was an exciting landmark for the McCauley team,” Dandurand said.

“This new propeller will provide owners and operators a great flying experience, offering performance and ramp appeal, combined with the craftsmanship, repairability and durability our customers expect from McCauley.”

C1106 Denali testing turboprop wind tunnel

Meg GodlewskiAuthor

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.