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Technology update
Scimitar propeller blades for an Islander
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A Britten-Norman Islander.
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Experimental propeller design having a scimitar-like planform is to be investigated by UK aircraft manufacturer, Britten-Norman, as part of a UK-supported program to reduce the noise and impact of general aviation. Britten-Norman, producer of the Islander and Trislander aircraft, is to lead the program, which will see the new propeller design flown on a BN2B Islander. The propellers will be supplied by Hartzell and use aerodynamic and acoustic design techniques developed by the company under a NASA program. The three-blade propellers are of conventional metal construction.
Britain's North-East Police Air Support Unit is supplying the test aircraft; police operators wish to achieve minimum acoustic footprints for their aircraft, particularly for night flights over city areas. Mark Norman, Britten-Norman's Head of Flight Engineering, said he expects "significant" performance and efficiency benefits to be demonstrated by the propellers. The program will last for six months. It is expected that the enhanced aerofoil efficiency will result in the same power transfer at reduced engine speed, and that lower tip speed and the scimitar planform will lead to noise reduction.
Stuart Birch
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