Propeller Major Components

CHAPTER SEVEN

T-34C AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS FAMILIARIZATION

WORKBOOK

702.

PROPELLER MAJOR COMPONENTS

The T-34C uses a three-bladed aluminum propeller. The propeller is hydraulically controlled,

constant-speed, full-feathering, and reversible. It measures 7 feet, 6 inches in diameter and

rotates clockwise. A spinner, bolted to the front flange at the propeller shaft, encloses the pitch-

change mechanism and helps to reduce drag.

The major components of the propeller are the blades, hub, and pitch change assembly. The

blades are attached to the hub, which is the central attaching point for all components. The

blades are installed into the hub, and the hub is then attached to the propeller shaft. The pitch

change assembly is comprised of the servo piston and connecting links, feathering spring and

retainer cup, counterweights, and beta feedback ring. All four components work together to

control prop blade angle, which is sometimes referred to as pitch.

Blade angle is the angle between the plane of rotation of the propeller and the chord line of the blade

(Figure 7-1). The T-34C has three basic blade angle stops (Figure 7-2).

Feather

87.5

Low pitch stop (idle)

17.5

Maximum beta (reverse)

-5

Figure 7-1 Blade Angle

7-2 PROPELLER