At 2850$ it sounds a bit expensive? The Arplast is only 2320$ including
blades. Can also offer feathering (but not in the UK due to regulation).
Weight including blades is 9.2 kgs genuine (20 lbs). Around 25 props
operating on Europas already. Different blades for the 912 and 912S/914.
Also includes a digital pitch indicator.
Jerry
LTS@avnet.co.uk
http://www.avnet.co.uk/touchdown
----- Original Message -----
From: Shaun Simpkins
Subject: Proplink Hub - resend
John Cliff informed me that my posts on Proplink bounced, so I shall
reconstitute my post from memory:
Proplink is a very new company that showed a new mechanical VP prop
hub at Oshkosh 2000.
(thanks to the poster who - now nameless - first mentioned this on
this BB). I e-mailed Brad Dement of Proplink after perusing their
website at
http://proplink.org
This hub is a purely mechanical VP design that accepts either Powerfin
or Warp Drive blades and is designed for a Rotax 914 at max. The prop
pitch is directly controlled by a lever on the throttle quadrant. The
design allows for full feathering, although the standard quadrant limits
blade angle to normal CS. A feathering quadrant is being considered by
the mfr. The hub is a three-blade design, with a two-blade in the
works. The 3-blade hub weighs 13lbs, for an all-up weight including
blades of between 18-20 lbs depending on supplier. A weight reduction
program is being followed. The cost of the hub is $2850.
This is an interesting alternative for Europa builders who want a
variable pitch prop, especially motorglider builders who need a
feathering prop, but would prefer a lighter installation than the MT
(37?lbs) or the Airmaster (28lbs) and are willing to give up a CS mode.
For those who need only a CS prop, the Whirlwind still stacks up as
the lightest available, at appx. 12 lbs all up including hydraulic
governor. It is only a two blade design. Indeed, if Whirlwind were to
ever offer a 3-blade design, it would still be the lightest...
The Proplink's $1100 price advantage over the Airmaster, and $1500
advantage over the Whirlwind, should be noted.
For your consideration...
Shaun Simpkins
A207
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