Checking the Touchdown website, The Arplast PV50 comes in two models -
the Standard, for 1625 pounds sterling, and the Colomban, for aircraft
capable of greater than 150 MPH (i.e., the 914 Europa XS), for 2050
pounds sterling. $2350, $2950 respectively. Admittedly, cheaper.
Electrically controlled, like the Airmaster. Much lighter.
Are there any Arplast PV50s flying stateside?
Shaun
A207
----- Original Message -----
From: Jerry Davis
Subject: Re: Proplink Hub - resend
At 2850$ 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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