I am planning to mount a fixed pitch propeller
on my new Lancair 320.
The plane is equipped with a Lycoming O320 D2A
(160HP, carburator).
Please, I'd liked some advice on the diameter,
the pitch and the manufacturer of suitable props.
A French builder.
Michel,
I have a "Props Inc." on my early airframe. I am
very satisfied with it. I would use them again (I hope I never have
to).
It is a 64 X 76 prop on a modified O-320. The
64" (inches - sorry Dom) length is the maximum that would fit on the early
airframe (shorter gear legs), so you could go longer. The 76 pitch is
similar to other prop manufactures 82 pitch as Props Inc. measures there pitch
differently (see their website). The prop has 48, 1/8" (0.125") laminates
and has leading edge protection. The plane is slightly under
propped as I can turn it 2850 RPM with a static and take off RPM of 2440.
So, I am giving up a little on the top end speed (to your advantage
Randy).
I have had no problems with it after over 200 hours.
After about 50 hours, I static balanced it and gained 100 RPM in
smoothness. I had a larger crush plate machined in the beginning which
captures the prop bolt heads, so retorqueing the prop can be done without a
second wrench (spanner?), instead of using the smaller thinner one which came
with the prop extension.
Gary Edwards
LNC2 N21SN
Medford,
Oregon