| MATERIALS
New
materials are regularly studied, and all material
batches are subjected to destructive tests with
special tools and test rigs in order to constantly
improve adhesion between precious and seasoned woods
like MAPLE, ASH, BIRCH, MAHOGANY, CEDAR and SPRUCE,
all of which are carefully selected by the experienced
craftsmen at GT-PROPELLERS. Samples
of wood have even been held immersed in water since
1970. They are still there, and despite being heavily
saturated, the glue joints remain in very good condition
to this day.
BLADE
The
GT-BLADES are made of wooden and composite mixed
construction. The blade root is made of improved
wood and the aerodinamic blade part is made of light
wood. Special threaded conical aluminium bush join
the the blade to hub. For errosion protection a
special composite leading edge strip is specially
joined to blade. The entire blade surface is composite
covered with two or more fibre or carbon fabric.
Several lacquers layers are applyed for blade protection
against erosion, moisture, sun rays etc.
CONSTRUCTION
The
construction advantages of GT props in wood-composites,
are many: no limits for materials fatigue, lower
inertia and gyroscopic moments compared with props
made of metal or all composite, better vibration
resistance, more comfortable flights, better utilization
in bad climates from the low temperatures of Northern
countries to the heat of tropical countries and
the low cost of maintenance. Watch the potho.
LEADING
EDGE PROTECTION
The
leading edge protection is provided by a further
composite strip bonded to the leading edge giving
added resistance to damage from grass, stones and
rain etc. during operation. This is easily replaceable
in case of damage.
The Vintage style propellers are protected by a
special leading edge guard made of high resistance
modern composite material, particularly designed
and shaped as original nostalgic propellers.
The
benefits are :
- High resistance as metal.
- Easy replaceable.
- Lower maintenance compared to brass.
- More suitable with latest airfoils than brass.
- Perfect old style looking.
TESTS
Very
heavy fatigue, destructive, acoustic and static
thrust tests and aerodynamic balancing procedures
are carried out. All types of rain condition and
take-offs from rough runways are simulated on all
types of propeller, both fixed and variable pitch,
using a sliding test bench equipped with a 165HP
engine.
TERM
GLOSSARY |
