3-blade propellor for an 0-320?

[seagull]

Hi Gents,

I intend to power my Piel Diamante with a 160 hp Lycoming 0-320. I'm trying to investigate the pro's and con's of fitting a metal or wood 3-blade fixed pitch prop. I'm not interested in a CSU or otherwise variable pitch prop, just a fixed pitch.

Has anyone out there fitted one to their 0-320 project? Is there an off-the-shelf prop that would do the job? Or would I have to get one made specially?

I would welcome any comments.

Cheers

Barry

EAA #144680

Auckland
New Zealand

[hmanvel]

Yes, try www.cattoprops.com/

[Dave Prizio]

As soon as you say "3-blade" you limit yourself to wood or composite props by smaller prop manufacturers. There are no metal fixed 3-blade props made for the O-320 engine that I have ever seen. And I don't believe Sensenich makes a 3-blade wood prop for that engine, although they might be willing to give it a go. That pretty much eliminates off the shelf as an option.

Catto makes some great composite (fiberglass over wood core) props, and they will custom make one for your particular airplane/engine combination for a fairly reasonable price. Whirlwind may also be able to help you, as can a number of smaller prop makers.

Dave Prizio

[seagull]

Mastazero - greetings backatcha!

hmanvel - Thanks for that - I've had a look - very good!

Dave P - I think you are right, metal would not likely be an option. I'm very impressed with the Catto props and this may be likely the way I go. What I'm looking for is a simple to operate/fly 2-seat touring aircraft. The Diamante is a 2+2 seat (or 2+1 if the passenger in the back is an adult size). I intend building mine as a 2-seater with ample baggage capacity. The published power option range for this design is between 100-180 hp, so a 160hp 0-320 would be a good mid-range fit, and from my experience is a pretty trouble-free all-round reliable engine. I'm looking for a respectable cruise/take-off performance compromise as I intend operating from some short-ish grass strips, but do not wish to incur a weight penalty from fitting a CSU. A CSU is also something else to check, maintain and possibly go wrong so a fixed pitch falls right in line with the 'KISS' principle that guides me - e.g. fixed gear instead of retractable, etc. I feel the 3-blade would give me better figures than a 2-blade for the same power. Also looks nicer.

Thank you for your comments,

Cheers

Barry Gillingwater

[Jim Hann]

Barry,

First, another vote for Catto, I know both pushers and pullers using his three blades, all have good words to say about Craig and his props.

Second, are you on the Emerauders list on Yahoo? Contrary to the name, it is open to any Piel designs. Give it a look!

http://asia.groups.yahoo.com/group/Emerauders/

[seagull]

Hi Jim,

I think you're right. the more I read about Catto props the more impressed I am. I'm pretty sure he's going to get my business.

Yes, I'm already on both the 'Emerauders' and the French Piel Avions site too.

Cheers

Barry