Abstract: A variable pitch blade and blade mount which is suitable for propellers, fans and the like and which has improved impact resistance. The invention is particularly directed to composite fan blades and blade mounting arrangements wherein the blades are permitted to pivot relative to a turbine hub about an axis generally parallel to the centerline of the engine upon impact of a large foreign object, such as a bird. By thus providing for the pivoting of the blades upon impact, centrifugal force recovery becomes the principal energy absorbing mechanism and a blade having improved impact strength is obtained.

Abstract: A wheel comprising a plurality of wheel plies, each wheel ply including concentric inner and outer hoops and a plurality of circumferentially spaced spoke loops therebetween, wherein each of the spoke loops is entrapped within the hoops. In one embodiment the wheel comprises a laminate of alternating wheel plies and intermediate plies bonded together. A spoked frame comprising one or more of the wheels is provided, the frame including fairing means to substantially envelope the spokes and retain the individual wheels in their proper spacial relationship.