Hartzell Engine Technologies, a leader in the aviation industry, has unveiled its new line of lightweight engine starters, designed specifically for 12-volt electrical systems in homebuilt aircraft. This announcement marks an important expansion for Sky-Tec, a prominent aircraft starter manufacturer operating under the Hartzell Engine Tech umbrella. Sky-Tec is known for its reliable and high-quality starter designs, which are trusted by several well-known aviation companies, including Prestolite, Electrosystems and Lamar Technologies.
Introducing the Sky-Tec XP Series
The new Sky-Tec XP Series starters are set to retail for under $1,000 and are expected to be available for distribution by the end of the first quarter of 2026. These starters are designed to offer a high-value solution for the experimental aviation market, which has long sought affordable yet reliable options for their homebuilt aircraft.
The new product line is targeted specifically at Lycoming-powered homebuilt kits, providing experimental aircraft owners with a combination of lightweight performance, reliability and affordability. According to Marolous Cebulka, Vice President of Sales at Hartzell Engine Tech, the Sky-Tec XP Series is aimed at making flying more accessible and affordable for the experimental market, while still maintaining the engineering excellence that pilots have come to expect from Hartzell Engine Technologies.
Features of the Sky-Tec XP Starters
The Sky-Tec XP Series offers a unique blend of engineering reliability and affordability. Although these new starters will not carry an FAA 8130 tag—an official certification marking airworthiness—they will be produced in the same facility that manufactures other certified Sky-Tec products. This approach ensures that the XP Series meets the same high production standards as its certified counterparts.
Designed with the needs of experimental aircraft owners in mind, the Sky-Tec XP Series will serve as a cost-effective alternative to more expensive starter models. These new starters are set to make a significant impact on the homebuilt aircraft community by offering a high level of performance without breaking the bank.
Sky-Tec’s Role in the Aviation Market
Sky-Tec has built a reputation for providing starters for various legacy aircraft engines and the introduction of the XP Series represents an expansion into the growing market for experimental aircraft. The new starters will help further extend Sky-Tec’s reach within the general aviation and kitbuilding communities, allowing the company to support both amateur builders and professional pilots alike.
Hartzell Engine Technologies, the parent company of Sky-Tec, is well-known for its diverse portfolio, which includes brands such as PowerUp Ignition Systems, Janitrol, Plane-Power and AeroForce Turbocharger Systems. Each of these brands specializes in different areas of the aircraft engine accessory market, including turbochargers, starters, alternators, fuel pumps and heaters. By adding the Sky-Tec XP Series to its roster, Hartzell Engine Tech is reinforcing its commitment to innovation and high-quality products in the aviation sector.
Expanding Reach into the Experimental Market
The move to introduce a new, affordable line of starters is not only an important step for Sky-Tec but also for Hartzell Engine Technologies as a whole. The experimental aviation sector has been seeking more cost-effective solutions for years and the introduction of the Sky-Tec XP Series is poised to meet this demand. The new starters are designed with a specific focus on homebuilt aircraft, particularly those powered by Lycoming engines, which are widely used in the experimental aviation market.
The growing interest in homebuilt aircraft and experimental aviation has created new opportunities for manufacturers like Hartzell Engine Technologies to expand their offerings. The Sky-Tec XP Series is expected to become a popular choice among experimental aircraft owners, thanks to its blend of lightweight performance and affordability.
Conclusion
Hartzell Engine Technologies continues to innovate within the aviation industry by expanding its product offerings through Sky-Tec. The introduction of the Sky-Tec XP Series starters demonstrates the company’s commitment to making aviation more accessible, while still delivering the quality and reliability that pilots demand. The XP Series, which will be available in 2026, is expected to become a trusted solution for homebuilt aircraft owners, especially those flying Lycoming-powered kits. This expansion not only strengthens Sky-Tec’s position in the experimental aviation market but also reflects Hartzell Engine Technologies’ ongoing dedication to supporting both general aviation and the kitbuilding community.
As the aviation industry evolves, the Sky-Tec XP Series stands as a testament to Hartzell Engine Technologies’ focus on innovation, affordability and quality in supporting experimental aviation.
Image- Hartzell Engine Technologies
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