Abstract: A propeller blade for rotation about a hub assembly is provided, wherein the propeller blade defines a radial direction along its length from a blade root to a blade tip, the propeller blade including a radially inner region, a radially outer region located between the blade root and the blade tip at a position where rotational forces on the blade are sufficient, in use, to remove ice from an uncoated blade, a coating disposed at least along a leading edge of the propeller blade, the coating including an icephobic material, wherein the coating extends along the propeller blade from the radially inner region to the radially outer region. The coating overlays a substrate portion of the propeller blade defining a color visually indicative of wear of the coating.

Abstract: An aircraft is disclosed, the aircraft having a fuselage having a centerline, and a wing extending from the fuselage and having a leading edge and a trailing edge. Additionally, the aircraft includes an engine mounted to the wing and having a rotating output shaft, and a propeller operably coupled to the output shaft and generating a rotating flow field to define a propeller wake when the propeller is rotated by the rotating output shaft. The propeller is located forward of the leading edge of the wing, so the propeller wake flows over the wing forming localized areas of effectively increased angle of attack generating a corresponding increased wing loading, with the wing having corresponding localized areas of reduced chord length to neutralize the otherwise increased wing loading. A method of countering the aerodynamic effects of propeller wake acting on a wing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A propeller blade for rotation about a hub assembly is provided, wherein the propeller blade defines a radial direction along its length from a blade root to a blade tip, the propeller blade including a radially inner region, a radially outer region located between the blade root and the blade tip at a position where rotational forces on the blade are sufficient, in use, to remove ice from an uncoated blade, a coating disposed at least along a leading edge of the propeller blade, the coating including an icephobic material, wherein the coating extends along the propeller blade from the radially inner region to the radially outer region.

Abstract: An aircraft is disclosed, the aircraft having a fuselage having a centerline, and a wing extending from the fuselage and having a leading edge and a trailing edge. Additionally, the aircraft includes an engine mounted to the wing and having a rotating output shaft, and a propeller operably coupled to the output shaft and generating a rotating flow field to define a propeller wake when the propeller is rotated by the rotating output shaft. The propeller is located forward of the leading edge of the wing, so the propeller wake flows over the wing forming localized areas of effectively increased angle of attack generating a corresponding increased wing loading, with the wing having corresponding localized areas of reduced chord length to neutralize the otherwise increased wing loading. A method of countering the aerodynamic effects of propeller wake acting on a wing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A propeller for an aircraft is disclosed. The propeller has an odd number of unequally circumferentially spaced blades. The propeller may be provided as part of a contra-rotating propeller arrangement and/or aft of a pylon on an aircraft. The propeller has been found to reduce noise levels and to be efficient.

Abstract: Compressor fan blades have an isotropic core and composite fiber layers in an epoxy matrix. The fibers on opposite broad surfaces of the blade extend at an angle of between 25° and 35° to the blade length. The fibers on opposites sides of the blade are inclined in opposite senses such that extension force applied to the blade as it rotates produces opposing forces in the composite layers that resist untwisting of the blade. The thickness of the fiber layers varies from the leading edge to the trailing edge, being thicker towards the leading edge.