Flight Resource, LLC, the world’s largest volume MT- Propeller distributer, has completed the successful flight testing on a newly developed 4-bladed composite propeller on an Allison-powered P-82 Twin Mustang. The propeller, governor and accumulator system (pictured below) was designed and built for use on the only two remaining Twin Mustangs that are being restored to flying condition, according to company officials.
The 11-foot diameter, 4-blade propellers include full feathering capability and still maintain the period look of the original steel propellers, using MT’s patented natural composite structure, company officials said. The hub is CNC milled from a single billet of aluminum. The governors were designed from scratch and the spinner is Kevlar.
The prop was mounted and flown on the P-51 Mustang “Polar Bear” for five successful flights in December, company officials said, noting initial results indicated improved climb and cruise performance over the metal 3-blade prop that normally pulls the P-51. The propeller and governor will now undergo the vigorous testing required to complete FAAand EASA certification.
According to Flight Resource’s Senior Partner, John Nielson, “The development of this propeller for such a rare aircraft has been one of the most fun projects we have undertaken. With this successful design, MT-Propeller has proven they are now able to supply new generation propellers for V-12 powered vintage aircraft.”
MT-Propeller is no stranger to the design and manufacture of replica propellers, company officials said, noting several rare aircraft continue to please airshow and air racing fans sporting MT-Propellers.
For more information: Flight-Resource.com, MT-Propeller.com
This story is inaccurate — the flight testing was NOT performed on a P-82 Twin Mustang, since there are no airworthy P-82s in the world. The propeller was designed for possible use on a P-82, but testing was performed on a P-51.