PROPELLER OPTIONS

De-ice System

After ice has formed, a de-ice system applies electric heat to the blade, melting the ice near the surface of the blade so the ice will be removed by centrifugal force as the prop spins. A de-ice system typically consists of boots, slip rings and brushes. Older technology, anti-ice equipment, prevents the formation of ice by allowing alcohol to flow over the propeller blades.

Synchronizing and Synchrophasing Systems

On twin-engine applications, the benefits of synchronizing and synchrophasing systems are the reduction of noise beats produced by the interaction of the prop and the fuselage. The governing system provides the means for synchronizing and synchrophasing the two propellers on twin-engine aircraft. The synchronizing option adjusts propeller RPM so that both props are turning at the same speed. McCauley installs a pick-up disc on each governor drive shaft, along with a transducer that sends a frequency signal to an electronic control. This control compares the signals from both governors and adjusts one of them to bring it into ³synch² with the other.

Once the props are synchronized, the synchrophaser option allows the pilot to adjust the position of the blades on one propeller with respect to the position of the blades on the second prop for reduced noise and vibration. McCauley synchrophasers are solid-state units that automatically synchronize prop speed combined with a phasing control operated by the pilot. This phasing control allows the pilot to manually adjust the difference between the two propellers to minimize the "beat" of the props.

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