Abstract: A blade shank assembly for an aircraft propeller blade includes a blade shank; a split blade retention race encircling the blade shank, the split blade retention race including two splits, wherein the split blade retention race comprises: inner chamfers located between the blade shank and the split blade retention race at each of the two splits; and outer chamfers located adjacent to a race surface of the split blade retention race at each of the two splits; and a plurality of ball bearings located on the race surface of the split blade retention race.

Abstract: A blade shank assembly for an aircraft propeller blade includes a blade shank; a split blade retention race encircling the blade shank, the split blade retention race including two splits, wherein the split blade retention race comprises: inner chamfers located between the blade shank and the split blade retention race at each of the two splits; and outer chamfers located adjacent to a race surface of the split blade retention race at each of the two splits; and a plurality of ball bearings located on the race surface of the split blade retention race.

Abstract: An optical sensor for detecting the presence of laser radiation in locations outside an intended optical path in a high energy laser device. An optical sensor, such as a photodiode, is positioned to receive light through an optical component when it fails to operate properly and laser light burns through the component. The optical sensor preferably includes a diffuser, an optical filter, and electrical circuitry to compare the signal generated by the photodiode with a selected reference signal, and to use the photodiode signal to actuate an alarm indicator and to disable power to the laser source. A thermal detector may be employed as a backup detection device.