One thing I love about the airplane community, the people are visionaries, full of ideas and open to new concepts and possibilities. So heres one that will no boubt take some thinking.

The idea is machining a 3 or 4 blade (aluminum) propeller hub for scale warbirds with replacable blades. The type of blades that will be used is going to govern how the hub is machined.

The biggest diffuculty is the blades. Can any blades from production propellers be cutoff and turned down to be fitted into the hub or will new composite blades have to be made. (yes i know how complex this project is going to be, no lectures please)

Would a composite blade work? how would it be constructed? Use a mold to lay-up the composite blades one at a time?

Going to need some help from any of you out there who have experience with composites and design to get these blades figured out. I think this is a very chanllenging and worthwile project.




There i was, at 30 feet when..............

Metal bladed props are a no-no. Violates Item 6, general section of the AMA safety code. For static display it would be alright but not for flying. Will void your insurance coverage.

Oops, you said metal hub, ok. Sorry about that. Thought you said metal blades.

Apollo:

Depending on how big you're thinking, you may well find what you want is already on the market.

Check the mags, there you'll find the ads, both three and four bladed sets, memory says they are around 18"-22" diameter.

Other than that, check the free flight forum, high performance free flights are using geared engines and composite folding props. You will also find a thread or two on molding composites.

Also check this site:

http://www.supercoolprops.eftel.com/

Hope this helps.

Bill.

" Will void your insurance coverage." only if the ama finds out =)