M-T: Getting Carbon, Getting Sexy

M-T, one of the best-kept secrets in certified props for years, is no longer such a secret.

A favorite of many of today's top airshow performers, its STCs are going on a lot of "daily drivers," as well.

At the show in Lakeland (FL), they officially unveiled their newest -- a 4-blade, composite prop.

The new construction allows a four-blade prop to weigh the same as the two-bladed metal prop it generally replaces, and exploits the advantages of multiple blades -- quiet, smoothness, often a smaller diameter (for more ground clearance, less tip noise).

M-T told us, "We've had over 60 million hours in flight (covering all M-T props), with no hazardous in-flight failures."

The new blades sport a stainless steel, bonded leading edge.

This gives the leading edge a toughness you won't find in most all-metal props; it allows for some dressing; and it's economical to replace, when the time comes.

(M-T says to replace leading edges in pairs, to maintain balance.)

How has the new design been accepted?

The M-T folks told us that 40% of new Van's builders are using M-Ts...

FMI: www.mt-propeller.com