Propeller, Variable-Pitch, 6-blade, Dowty R391

Dowty R391 Advanced Propeller System Dowty introduced the R391 for the Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules transport in 1996. Its six thin, swept-back blades are made of composite materials, mainly carbon and glass fibers with polyurethane foam filling. It generates increased takeoff and climb performance and is quieter and half the weight of other propellers. The origin of the hydraulic constant-speed mechanism dates back to the Hele-Shaw-Beacham propeller of 1924, one of the first successful variable-pitch designs. Four R391s on Rolls-Royce AE2100D3 turboprop engines power the Hercules, which serves the armed forces of the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, Kuwait, and Denmark. The Alenia Aeronautica C-27J Spartan transport and ShinMaywa US-1A Kai amphibian also use R391s. This is the first R391; it bears serial number 0001. Gift of Smiths Aerospace LLC dba Dowty Propellers-Americas Type: Hydraulic constant-speed, counterweight, reversible, full-feathering Blades: 6 composite blades and aluminum hub Diameter: 4.1 m (13 ft 6 in) Weight: 314.8 kg (694 lb) Engine: Rolls-Royce AE2100D3, rated at 3,458 kW (4,637 shp) Manufacturer: Dowty Propellers, Gloucester, England, 1996

• Type: Hydraulic constant-speed, counterweight, reversible, full-feathering
• Number of Blades: Six composite blades and steel hub
• Diameter: 13.5 ft (4.115 m)
• Weight: 800 lbs (362.9 kg)
• Engine Application: Rolls-Royce AE2100D3 rated at 4,637 shp (3,458 kW)
• Manufacturer: Dowty Aerospace, Gloucester, England, 1999

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