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PDR1
19th Aug 2019, 07:02
A friend of mine has found this blade in the loft of a deceased relative and wonders if anyone can identify it. The blade as-is (from where it is sawn off at the root) is just under six feet long, around 10 inches chord at the broadest point and "probably wooden". The root shape suggests (to me) that it's from a VP or constant-speed prop, so I was wondering if it was one of the compressed-wood (Jablo?) props fitted to some RAF aircraft in the early 40s. At six fee long it's too big for most of the fighters, but perhaps from one of the bombers? Do the numbers mean anything to anyone?

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/590x496/prop_ba41b54114e3ec9ea5f0c2bddd7f90473be8d314.jpg
Just under 6' long and 10" chord at the widest point

TIA,

PDR

dook
19th Aug 2019, 07:55
The RA preceding the number and the pink disc suggests a Dowty-Rotol propeller made of Jablo.

Despite what you think it might well be from a Spitfire/Seafire.

Does it have a metal sheath ?

PDR1
19th Aug 2019, 08:01
Despite what you think it might well be from a Spitfire/Seafire.

Does it have a metal sheath ?

Don't know about the sheath, but I thought spitfire props were all under 11 foo

PDR

dook
19th Aug 2019, 08:31
I presume by that you mean disc diameter.

The Merlin 45 had a prop diameter of eleven and a half feet.

DaveReidUK
19th Aug 2019, 09:25
I agree it's a Rotol/Jablo prop, but a blade that's 6' long after being sawn-off at the root would indicate a diameter of over 12', so hard to see it coming from a Spitfire.

dook
19th Aug 2019, 10:00
I agree with you, so what do you think it is?

sycamore
19th Aug 2019, 10:34
Which way does it rotate..LH/RH,defines Griffon/Merlin....Try historic forum on Flypast,,plenty of experts there...
number/letter in pink spot would help.

treadigraph
19th Aug 2019, 10:47
Possibly off a Fairey Firefly?

Edit: actually probably not.

Looks similar to a Spitfire XIV blade but about a foot too long.

sycamore
19th Aug 2019, 20:01
Possibly Barracuda if it`LH rotation....

DaveReidUK
19th Aug 2019, 20:19
Both the Typhoon and Tempest had larger diameter props than the Spitfire. Just a thought.