Abstract: An axial fan operative to control the developed air volume and pressure by varying the pitch of the fan blades. The fan housing is adapted to be connected to the main air conduit as an axial continuation thereof and centrally mounts a fan motor which directly drives the fan. The blade pitch control mechanism adjacent the fan utilizes an axially reciprocable actuator coupled through linkages to each of the fan blades whereby the pitch of all of the blades is simultaneously changed upon movement of the actuator. The control mechanism is contained within the fan hub and within a cylindrical central fairing located adjacent the fan and radially inwardly of the blades. This protects the control mechanism and reduces drag. The actuator is moved axially by means located externally of the main air conduit and connected to the actuator by a single lever arm extending through the central fairing and main air conduit.