Warbird Information Exchange

Hello Folks:

I've heard airworthy P-39's and P-63's have a problem-a lack of spares. Specificly, a shortage of propellers, reduction gears, landing gear retraction drives and motors. The big problem is props. The CAF is flying theirs with no spare prop, and no knowledge on where to find more. They've already had a couple of near misses to losing the prop. I've been told that DC-3 props won't match up with the reduction gear. So they're all stuck with a very limited to almost non-existant supply of surplus blades. Anyone else know about this?

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"No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth!" R.R.

Welcome to the USSA! One Nanny State Under the Messiah, Indivisible with Tyranny, Higher Taxes, Socialism, Radical Environmentalism and a Loss of Income for all. Boy I'm proud to be a part of the USSA, what can I do to raise taxes, oh boy oh boy!

I am not surprised. The 'Cobra props have hollow hubs for the cannon to fire through. The only other US types to have that were prototypes and experimentals. Also I believe that the props were Curtiss Electric types which typically had hollow steel blades rather than the aluminum of the Hamilton Standard types typical to a DC 3.

Probably the only solution would be for the various owners and restorers to band together and have a special run of props or the most needed parts for the props and reduction gears made. Now it becomes a problem of price and availability of materials and shops willing to do such a small run of parts.

I wonder if there isn't warehouse in Russia just full of old Cobra parts?

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"I can't understand it, I cut it twice and it's still too short!" Robert F. Dupre' 1923-2010 Go With God.

I know where there is a landing gear retraction drive (and motor) assembly sitting.

Gary

Some of the P-39 variants used Aeroproducts props; though I imagine they were also a special unit.

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"They can teach MONKEYS to fly better than that"

http://www.heritageflight.org
http://www.bravo369.org

As were the four-bladed units used by P-39Q's and P-63's, like these goodies for sale with Jay Wisler.

X-4 P-39Q/P-63A prop assembly with spinner assembly, serviceable condition, complete assembly, mfgd. by Aero Products $16,500.

X-27 P-63 Aero Products prop blades, P/N A2891106, these blades are of the last design change $28,000.

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It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

Hello Hoffman props..........