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 GT Propellers in Italy have already produced new blades for the V-530. GT Propellers is going through a Certification process, which, at the time of writing, is not yet completed.  The Whirlwind blades are sold into the US ‘Experimental’ market and therefore do not require Certification.  Finally, Carl Hays, again in the USA , is developing new blades and again at the time of writing, these are beginning to be manufactured.  Of course there is the same problem of a lack of European Certification in these markets.  

Ø      We offer factory zero-timed V530 propellers, rebuilt to a very high standard in Lithuania ; Cadmium plating to metal parts and blades finished in western epoxy paint.  Our current price for this is Euro 6,000. 

Ø      We can also offer propellers in exchange – ie we take your old propeller providing there is nothing significantly wrong, or it is out of hours/calendar time and replace it with a zero-timed propeller as above.  Cost is Euro 2,400.

Ø      It is our view that despite the extra cost, more and more Yak and Sukhoi owners will go over to 3-blade propellers, because of the significantly increased performance available; greater smoothness, and other advantages as outlined in our specific papers on these 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.

Russian MTV-9 propellers

Ø      It is worth mentioning Russian MTV-9 propellers.  MT, some 7 years ago, gave a licence to Speriott (above) to produce the MTV-9-250-27 propeller.

Ø      Speriott however failed to declare a large proportion of their production to avoid paying royalties and in consequence MT instituted litigation against Speriott and, for western owners more importantly, they refuse, in any way, to support these propellers.  So be warned if you have such a propeller MT has done everything it can do to ensure that these propellers cannot be overhauled in the west.  

Ø      It is also worth pointing out that they are restricted to 250cm diameter and also to the older blade profile of -27.

Overhauling of MT Propellers

We can arrange for MT factory overhauls to be done at MT in Europe or the USA .  Please contact us for further details.

Click here for more information on MT Propellers

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

Click here for comparison of MTV-9 & Hartzel 'Claw'