Wooden airscrews?

Were the original prop blades ‘plain’ wood, or were they resin impregnated also?

Thank you

The originals were indeed a resin impregnated compressed multi-ply material – as stated earlier. The modern Spitfire prop blades are made in Germany largely to the same recipie!

I’m just reading Rotol, The History of an Airscrew Company by Bruce Stait at the moment.

A fascinating book – well worth reading 🙂

I’m just reading Rotol, The History of an Airscrew Company by Bruce Stait at the moment…the Rotol wooden blades weren’t specifically selected because wood was a non-strategic material, although it was undoubtedly a help. The company developed wooden and magnesium blades at the same time, but found that the wooden blades were better in terms of production and repairability. There were three types of wooden laminate used, Jablo, Jicwood and Hydulignum.

Interestingly, some Rotol props were based on the German VDM type, and one of the most important machines used in Rotol’s factory throughout the war was of German manufacture too……

Wooden airscrews

Were the original prop blades ‘plain’ wood, or were they resin impregnated also?

Thank you

The Rotol prop blades are not plain wood but are high pressure resin impregnated laminates finished with an early plastic coating. One of the trade names was Jablo.

John

Also better vibration dampening qualities.

Wood is also light (> lower inertia > quicker throttle response) and – in case of a propeller – probably more easy to use for the complex shape that a propeller blade has while retaining adequate material properties.