Dowty Aerospace: Propeller Blades Initially, such blades were made of glass ?bre reinforced resin and developed on hovercraft which operate in severe air/sea conditions. By 1970, the company was producing composite blades for a range of aircraft and air cushion vehicles. These blades incorporate carbon ?bre spars, polyurethane foam ?lling and a glass ?bre reinforced resin aerofoil shell covered with a tough polyurethane coating for erosion protection. Further protection is provided by replaceable leading edge strips. Other features include braid type lightning conductors and blade root retention, de-icing operation and safety counterweight advantages. A propeller blade is a primary component therefore no fatigue or other structural failure is permissible at any time or in any circumstances

Join for free to read