Abstract: An apparatus for protecting the leading edge of an aerodynamic blade such as a propeller blade and more particularly to an apparatus for improving the maintainability of the leading edge protective sheath. In the preferred embodiment, a protective sheath made of a ductile material of sufficient hardness material such as titanium, stainless steel, nickel or a nickel alloy is attached to the leading edge of a propeller blade. The protective sheath has an interior surface that complements the leading edge of the underlying propeller blade material, while the exterior surface of the sheath is optimized to achieve an efficient dynamic profile for the propeller blade. The protective sheath is further modified so that a harder material such as ceramic can be secured to the surface of the protective sheath along its leading edge at the tip end of the propeller blade wherein erosion rates are highest.