New Blades Provide Improved Cruise Speed, Faster Acceleration

Aero-News has learned that Italy's GT Propellers has finished testing its new wood and composite-bladed propeller specially designed for Russian Vedeyneev M-14 engines, commonly seen on Yak aerobatic aircraft.

The new two-blade propeller features a slightly increased diameter over standard propellers, with scimitar tips the company says help decrease noise noticeably, both inside and outside the plane.

Representatives with GT Propellers told ANN this week that the new blades have been tested on a Yak-52 and Yak-52TW. The company is still conducting tests on Yak 18, 50 and 55 applications.

So far, the results have been encouraging. Here are the figures cited by GT Propeller:

• Increased cruise speed at 62 percent power, from 108 kts to 118 kts
• Faster acceleration times, resulting in a 150-ft shorter takeoff distance on grass
• Reduced hourly fuel burn at 62 percent, 74 percent and full power
• Cleaner dive penetration, at 200 kts.

The new blades are available in custom finishes and sizes, ranging from 98 inches to 104 inches in diameter. An upgraded blade retention system is available from the company for M-14 engines producing more than 360 hp.

A matching composite spinner and new scimitar blade design are also in the works, according to GT Propeller.

FMI: www.gt-propellers.com