Helicopter Technology Company (HTC) has announced development of new composite main- and tailrotor blades for the MD369, 500 and 600 helicopter series.

“We are the sole manufacturer of main and tail rotor blades for that series and have been for more than 15 years,” said Frank Palminteri, CEO of the Los Angeles-based company. “We intend to continue that support and service by advancing our product line and providing them with the latest in design and manufacturing processes.”

The new rotor blades, said project engineer Zachary Lovering, are expected to result in improved fuel economy and performance. “We expect to have them ready to show at next year’s Heli-Expo,” he said.

Also in the works and about nine to 12 months from market are new metallic main rotor blades for the Bell UH-1H Huey. According to Lovering, HTC (Booth No. 5510) will also launch a trade-in exchange program through which customers will receive a credit, based on hours used, for turning in their old blades. To reduce delivery lead-time to near-zero, HTC will maintain an in-stock supply of the new blades.

Lovering added that HTC has also begun designing a new, metallic tail rotor blade for the UH-1H.