Warbird.

Historic military aircraft ‘warbirds’ have benefited from half a century of engineering investment and as a result air displays have formations of over 25 aircraft once again.

With long experience to hand Skycraft undertakes propeller reconstruction projects and routine maintenance on the following heritage propeller types; 

To support the high level of activity with the iconic WWII Spitfire from worldwide rebuilders and operators, Skycraft is now producing complete new Rotol Airscrews.  Skycraft utilises original Rotol specifications to ensure the highest standards of safety and reliability are maintained, and has developed this capability by utilising authentic blades made by Hoffmann Propeller which have been approved by the design organisation Dowty Propellers.

The number of vintage military aircraft operated by civilian organisations and individuals has grown rapidly since the 1980’s and today the aircraft types represent the heritage of the armed forces of many counties especially the United Kingdom & United States of America. 

SURVIVORS

There are estimated to be 238 surviving British Spitfires and 295 American Mustangs of which approximately 250 of these types are in flying condition today supported by a well-established restoration industry continuously adding to those which are airworthy. 

The production cost of a Spitfire in 1938 was £9,500. The most expensive components were the hand-fabricated and equipped fuselage at approximately £2,500, then the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine at £2,000, followed by the wings at £1,800 a pair, guns and undercarriage, both at £800 each, and lastly the propeller at £350.

INVESTMENTS

Today the budget selling price of a Supermarine Spitfire fighter is £ 2,000,000.  Unique examples of famous aircraft such as the Focke Wulf and Mosquito which have been restored to precise factory condition and fully airworthy are valued up to £ 20,000,000.

INFRASTRUCTURE

It’s a small world when it comes to historic aircraft.  The great increase in air travel in recent decades combined with the news & information exchange through the Internet has benefited our industry whilst facilitating greatly enhanced historic aviation interest.  The depth of knowledge that surrounds the activity is astonishing and the attention to detail impressive not just for the aircraft, but also their history.  This is no longer a niche activity but one which has expanded to catch everyone’s imagination.  The activity provides in-depth enthusiastic printed media, live news on social media, opportunities for individual participation right up to air experience flying and aircraft ownership.

The types of warbirds flying are not limited to the Spitfires & Mustangs as the global restoration industry covers increasing numbers of German, Russian and Japanese historic aircraft as well.  The investment now spans Air Forces from around the world including such iconic types from Messerschmitt, Focke Wulf, Hawker Aircraft, Grumman & Mitsubishi to the more contemporary Yakolev. 

EngineerING par excellence

Skycraft carries out propeller reconstruction projects for historic military aircraft underpinned by many years of experience and liaison with similarly qualified aero engineering aviation partners. 

The rate of development of military aircraft technology during WWII one could argue will never be repeated and certainly the period since active service of these aircraft now runs to half a century.  Taking account of age deterioration the philosophy today is to restore the aircraft to at least equal if not better than when they were in wartime production.  To meet these requirements together with today’s exacting civil airworthiness regulations it was essential to develop the capability to manufacture new parts to support continued operation of the propellers.

Skycraft has made a substantial investment in a manufacturing capability and approval by the regulatory authorities.  To give some idea of complexity a Rotol propeller for a Spitfire has 141 different parts and only after many years of phased development Skycraft is now able to deal with all servicing requirements and build complete new propellers.

SUMMARY

Skycraft can start from scratch to resurrect a new propeller with little or no surviving original assemblies, or we restore the airworthiness of propellers which have survived on museum aircraft.  Whatever the starting point the resultant product is at least equal if not improved in quality of the original manufacturers construction.  Of course with a sizable global fleet of historic military aircraft flying, some of which are accumulating 500 flying hours every year, Skycraft also fully supports the ongoing scheduled maintenance programmes with an experienced repair and overhaul facility for discerning customers.

Vereinigte Deutsche Metalwerke 9-12.022-42 propeller