GT Propellers
Specialities

Fairey Reed Propeller

The exceptionally rare Fairey Reed propeller for the DHC-1 Chipmunk, brought back to life in natural composite.

GT Propellers: the world’s only Fairey Reed propeller manufacturer, mixing tradition and innovation

Originally a rare fixed-pitch metal propeller fitted to the De Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk, the Fairey Reed has long been out of production. Today GT Propellers is the only manufacturer in the world still building it, reborn as a ground-adjustable propeller in natural composite.

Every detail stays true to the original Fairey Reed blade profile (ref. drawing A6675X1), engineered for the DHC-1 Chipmunk fitted with the Gipsy Major Type 8 and its variants.

Technical data

  • Part number: GT2-G-120/8/56-LT-WS-203
  • Hub: GT2G-M, CNC-machined from aerospace-grade aluminium. It is larger than the original metal hub so that it matches the exact weight and balance of the original Fairey propeller; the extra size is fully concealed beneath the spinner.
  • Blades: GT PN56, natural composite
  • Maximum diameter: 203 cm (80 in)

The benefits

Turning this historic fixed-pitch design into a ground-adjustable natural composite propeller brings real advantages:

  • Overall weight very close to the original, with a different moment of inertia
  • Reduced stress on engine and airframe
  • Pitch adjustable on the ground
  • The aircraft’s authentic vintage look is fully preserved

See the dedicated brochure.

Download the Chipmunk propeller brochure
GT Fairey Reed disassembled: blades and a weighted hub that replicates the CG of the original OEM propeller.
Work in progress on a spinner that follows the original design
Nearly 60 years apart: the original-design Chipmunk propeller next to a modern propeller
The fabulous Fairey Reed design, reproduced by GT Propellers as a composite replica blade with added metal leading edge protection.
Original Fairey Reed propeller fitted to a de Havilland Chipmunk
The hub coupled to the Gipsy Major propeller flange during balancing operations
The assembled two-blade propeller.
The assembled propeller seen from the tip.
The propeller with its spinner and fitting hardware.
The outstanding British propeller design, seen from this perspective
One of our GT Fairey Reed propellers built for initial flight testing, shown here during static balancing.
Blade details.