As many know, I have a GT propeller my radial powered RV-8. They were the only company willing to produce a custom electric constant speed prop for my project. Since then I have had a great relationship with the Tonini family. In fact they are currently working on an upgraded propeller design for the radial RV. With this thread Alex asked me to pass this message along. I'd also happy to chat with people about my experience with the prop and company.
From Alex Tonini:
From one side we are happy here at GT but from the other side is little more complicated. GT is fully involved in general aviation and big powerful turbine drones propellers with over 1500 SHP. Now that GT is no longer only controlled by the Tonini's family but also some other companies are involved with us. After 55 continuous years this is a natural evolution.
With the recent main US company reorganizations, we had a huge demand for CS propellers for the Lycoming engines, so most homebuilders are asking us every day for our solutions for these aircraft. Our hubs have the feature of on-wings-blades removal. The hub is standard and blades are adjustable in diameter and pitch, e.g. custom blades made for the customers requirements. Example, a 2 blade 72/74 for an RV 180/220 HP or 82 inches always for the 2 blade but for a STOL plane. Also spinners can be tailored. The most demanded are the 13 inch spinner. Natural composite blades, metal protected, very nice and efficient scimitar design. All the components are in house GT made.
We are working hard for bigger production of the 2 blade and the 3-blade hydraulic controlled. This technology is adopted from several years, over 30 years here, with very positive results but what we are organizing the big serial production. We were expecting this big interest in our CS natural composite blades with scimitar design but our schedule was to be ready in the 2025.
I'm anticipating here some pics of the 2 and 3 blade made for local and US clients.
We have experience on big drones operating in very difficult areas or warbirds propellers. Based on this we can assure that the on-wings blades removal has outstanding advantages during prop life. Low price on transportation is safer. Easy to replace in potential prop strike. Bigger resales ,possibility to test many blades GT models in site, on same hub in 5 minutes per blade etc.
Another first for GT Propellers, shared only with our German colleagues!
Currently, out of ten propeller producers servicing the turbine operators, only two are using natural wood/composite blades technology. These blades with unlimited life are produced only in Bavaria and Romagna, two regions south of Germany and central Italy respectively. These regions are also called the Motor Valley due to the large concentration of famous supercar and motorbike manufacturers.
Although we at GT, are sharing production of turbine propellers with our German colleagues, we are the first to develop the technology for removable blades in natural composite.
The advantages of this system are:
• Quick blade replacement
• On site removal and assembly in case of FOD
• Possibility of a higher damage repairs
• Reduction of engineer/mechanic's labor cost
• Less internal damage to powerplant in case of a prop strike
• Reduction of approximate 40% in transport fees when compared to a fully assembled prop
Agriculture, vintage and utility aircraft and powerful drones are converting to this technology and benefitting of these advantages.
For additional details please let me know at:
GT Propellers
Via del Commercio, 7
47838 Riccione (RN) Italy
Tel. +39 0541 69 33 99
Fax +39 0541 69 33 31
www.gt-propellers.com
[email protected]