Liberty Aerospace has selected Dowty Aerospace Propellers to provide a bespoke two-blade propeller for its two-seat Liberty XL-2.
The 1.57m (63inch) diameter, fixed-pitch propeller, designed for the Rotax 912S powered XL-2, will consist of carbon fibre composite blades. These offer "low weight, excellent fatigue properties and ease of repair", says Liberty.
The XL-2 is scheduled for its maiden flight at the end of the first quarter, with certification and first deliveries of the all-composite, single planned by the fourth quarter and early 2002 respectively.
Burt Rutan's Scaled Technology Works is making all carbonfibre composite components for the XL-2, including the fuselage, under a four year agreement.
Source: Flight International