Propellers for Sukhoi and Yakovlev

Historically all Russian light aircraft (Yak plus Sukhoi) used the V-530 2-blade propeller.  Owners today have, however, the opportunity to use significantly superior 3-blade propellers, principally from MT in Germany .

Important points are: -

Ø      The V-530 is manufactured by Speriott, who are based at Stupino near Moscow .   Unfortunately they have reacted to falling demands for new propellers by increasing prices to compensate.  This had led to the new ex-factory price being US$9,000 and at that level, those in the market for a new propeller will almost certainly choose a ‘new technology’ 3-blade propeller from the West.

Ø      For the time being there are however reasonable numbers of overhauled propellers available, but the real problem is a lack of blades – new blades from Speriott are too expensive to consider, and therefore unless the propeller has good blades, it cannot be economically overhauled.  (Indeed we ourselves have some ten V-530 hubs, which are useless without blades!).

Ø      There is obviously the possibility to manufacture new blades for the V-530 in the West.  MT Propeller say they cannot, on the basis that the V-530 blade roots require huge pressure to compress the wood into the ferule, which their existing equipment is not able to do.  (The real reason is probably that MT Propeller are trying to sell their new propellers rather than keep V-530 going!).

Ø      Whirlwind in the USA and an Italian company (GT Propellers) have produced new blades for the V-530.  It should be noted however that these blades are not certificated for use in Europe .

Ø      In terms of 2-blade propeller sales – we currently offer zero-timed 2-blade propellers, but painted with high quality Western paint for  Euro 6,000.  We also sometimes have a limited number of new propellers.

Ø      For those wanting 3-blade propellers, there really are only two options – Hoffman and MT Propellers.  Clearly we, as MT Agents are biased, but the simple fact is that, virtually without exception, all aircraft at World Aerobatic Championship level for the last 12 years have only used MT propellers.  Given the loads imposed by unlimited level aerobatics, this speaks a great deal for the strength, integrity and of course the performance of MT propellers.

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Click here for more information on MT Propellers for Sukhoi & Yakovlev Aircraft