Nostalgia is very much in the air at Avia-Hamilton Standard - the Prague-based company started delivery of propeller blades for the Second World War vintage P-51 Mustang aircraft earlier this year.
The aircraft is very much in demand by aviation enthusiasts for its superior performance characteristics and historic heritage. After determining that a market for new blades existed, Avia-Hamilton Standard began developing manufacturing capability under licence from Hamilton Standard, which originally produced the P-51 blades in the 1940s.
Avia-Hamilton Standard president Bas Demarteau says: "We estimate as many as 175 aircraft worldwide are either in flying condition or in active restoration.
"They all currently use Hamilton Standard propellers, which by now have been refurbished several times over the life of the aircraft.
"Installing new blades brings the propellers back to original specifications and, depending on the condition of the propellers we replace, could mean a significant performance improvement."
Source: Flight Daily News
