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E492A
HO-V343()-()
Three bladed lightweight
Constant Speed Propeller
HO-V343()-S
Three bladed lightweight
Constant Speed and Feathering
Propeller
Warning
People who fly, or are operating a propeller driven vessel, should recognize that different types of risks are
involved, and they should take all possible precautions to reduce them, because they cannot be eliminated
entirely. The propeller is a vital component of the aircraft or the propeller driven vessel. A mechanical failure
could cause a forced landing or create vibrations sufficiently severe to damage the aircraft or vessel possibly
causing it to become uncontrollable.
All propellers are subject to constant vibration stresses from the engine and airstreams, which are added to
high bending and centrifugal stresses.
Before a propeller is certified as being safe to operate on an airplane or a propeller driven vessel an
adequate margin of safety must be demonstrated. Even though every precaution is taken in the design and
manufacture of a propeller, history has revealed rare instances of failures, particularly of the fatigue type.
It is essential that the propeller is properly maintained according to the recommended service procedures
and a close watch is exercised to detect impending problems before they become serious. Any grease or oil
leakage, loss of oil pressure, unusual vibration or change in operation behavior should be investigated and
repaired very carefully as it could be a warning that something serious is wrong.
Hoffmann strongly recommends reading this manual thoroughly. It contains a lot of information about your
new propeller.
The propeller is among the most reliable components of your airplane, or the propeller driven vessel. It is
also among the most critical to flight safety. It therefore deserves the care and maintenance called for in this
Manual. We kindly ask you please give it your attention, especially the section dealing with Inspections and
checks.
We like to thank you very much for choosing Hoffmann Propeller. Properly maintained it will give you many
years of reliable service.
INTRO PAGE I
E492A
February 2012
HOFFMANN PROPELLER
For operator of non certified or experimental aircraft, or the propeller driven vessel, even a greater level of
vigilance is required in the maintenance and inspection of the propeller. Experimental installation often uses
propeller- engine combinations that have not been tested and approved. In these cases, the stress on the
propeller and, therefore, safety margin is not known. Failures could be as severe as loss of propeller or
propeller blades and cause loss of propeller control and / or loss of aircraft or the propeller driven vessel.
Hoffmann Propeller GmbH follows the EASA regulations for propeller certification on certified aircraft.
Experimental aircraft may operate with unapproved engines or propellers or engine modifications to increase
horsepower, such as unapproved crankshaft damper configurations or high compression pistons. These
issues affect the vibration output of the engine and the stress levels on the propeller. Significant propeller life
reduction and failure are real possibilities.
Frequent inspections are strongly recommended if operating with a non-certificated installation; however,
these inspections may not guarantee propeller reliability, as a failing device may be hidden from the view of
the inspector. Propeller overhaul is strongly recommended to accomplish periodic internal inspection.
Visually inspect the wooden propeller blades for cracks. Inspect the hubs, with particular emphasis on each
blade arm for cracks. Eddy current equipment is recommended for hub inspection. Since cracks are usually
nor apparent.
Hoffmann Propeller will not be responsible for any translation of this manual. In case of doubt only the
original English version of this manual will be valid and accepted.
PAGE II DESCRIBTION
E492A
February 2012
HOFFMANN PROPELLER
Throughout the next in this manual, Warnings Cautions and Notes pertaining to the procedures being
accomplished are included. These adjuncts to the text are used to highlight or emphasis important points.
Warning and Cautions precede the text they pertain to, and Notes follow the text they pertain to.
Note: Calls attention to methodes which will make the job easier.
Personnel Requirements
Personnel performing any work or maintenance to the propeller assembly are expected to have sufficient
knowledge and training to accomplish the required work in a safe and airworthy manner.
Airworthiness Limitations
If each prescribed service is accomplished, there is no restriction of the airworthiness of this propeller. For
the current valid TBO(Time Between Overhaul) refer to SB E1.
PAGE IV DESCRIBTION
E492A
February 2012
HOFFMANN PROPELLER
INTRO PAGE V
E492A
February 2012
HOFFMANN PROPELLER
PAGE VI DESCRIBTION
E492A
February 2012
HOFFMANN PROPELLER
Service Documents
Warning: The following list shows the Service Documents which are
applicable at the date of issue of this document. A complete up-to date list of
Service Documents is available at the Hoffmann Homepage:
http://www.hoffmann-prop.com.
Service Bulletins
SB E1
SB E11
SB E13
SB E14
SB E15
SB E17
SB E18
SB E20
SB E21
SB E22
Service Advisories
SA E3
Service Instructions
SI E4
SI E6
SI E7
SI E8
Service Letters
SL E3
SL E4
SL E12
SL E13
SL E14
1. Description
1.1 Introduction
The Propeller HO-V343()-() is a three bladed single acting fully hydraulically controlled constant speed
propeller.
The pre-selected Propeller RPM will be kept constant in the normal operating range by a Propeller
Governor. The travel of the Propeller Blades is limited by internal mechanical adjustable hard stops.
1.1.2 HO-V343()-V
The Propeller uses Oil pressure to decrease pitch. Counter Weights are used to turn the Propeller
Blades toward high pitch. In the event of an oil pressure failure the propeller blades automatically
return to the mechanical high pitch stop and the Propeller can be used as a fixed pitch unit. The
Propeller RPM has to be adjusted and controlled by the throttle only, but the flight may be
continued.
1.1.3 HO-V343()-S
The Propeller uses Oil pressure to decrease pitch. Counter Weights are used to turn the Propeller
Blades toward high pitch. In the event of an oil pressure failure the propeller blades automatically
turn to the feathering position.
The Propeller will be kept in a starting position by mechanical stops, if the engine was shot down
with the Propeller Lever at low pitch (high RPM).
It is possible to feather the propeller by shot down the engine with a high pitch setting.
Optionally an unfeathering accumulator can be installed to unfeather the Propeller during flight. The
installed Propeller Governor must be equipped with an accumulator port.
The Propeller RPM has to be adjusted and controlled by the throttle only, but the flight may be
continued.
1.2 Designation
1.2.1 Designation of the Hub
HO - V 34 3 K () - () - () /Blade Model
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
2 Propeller model
V: Variable Pitch
E: Ground adjustable Pitch
4 Number of blades
5 Designation of Flange
F: ARP 502 Type 1
K: AS 127D (SAE 2 Mod) 3/4” bushings 1/2”-20 UNF bolts
L: AS 127D (SAE 2 Mod) 5/8” bushings 7/16”-20 UNF bolts
B: AS 127D (SAE 1)
() 183 GY - () () () ± ()
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
10 Basic diameter in cm
13 De-Icing
Blank Non De-Icing
B Electrical De-Icing
14 Material of blade
Blank Compreg scarfed with lighter wood
P Compreg
On a decal on each blade the designation of the hub assembly and serial number, as well as the designation
of the blade and blade serial number are printed. The serial number of the blade is additionally stamped into
the blade retention nut and the blade ferrule (at the blade ferrule the stamp isn’t visible from the outside).
The complete designation of a variable pitch propeller is a combination of the designation of the hub
assembly and the blade assembly. Both designations are separated by a slash mark.
Example: HO-V343K/183GY
The serial number of the hub is considered to be the serial number of the complete propeller assembly.
Number of blades: 3
2. Construction
The HOFFMANN variable pitch propeller and the ground adjustable pitch propeller consist of 4 sub-
assemblies:
- Hub assembly
- Blade assembly
Type A is a brass metal strip soft soldered to a bronze fabric and glued to the blade FRP cover.
Type B is a special aluminum strip glued directly to the wooden core of the blade.
Type C is a special PU-strip (Polyurethane) blade tipping and also glued directly to the wooden core. Due to
the material the leading edge is not painted.
Picture 2-1: Leading edge protection Type A(left) and Type B/C(right)
To increase torsional stiffness and provide a good erosion protection the blade is covered with fibre
reinforced epoxy (FRP). Fatigue failures due to vibration are unlikely with such blades because the internal
damping of the material is considerably higher than that of duralumin.
Several layers of special polyurethane paint (PU- paint) are sprayed onto the fibre reinforced epoxy covering
and the erosion tipping (with the exception of the Type C erosion tipping); this assures a high resistance to
atmospheric conditions. This polyurethane paint shows also high resistance against erosion and mechanical
damage. Colored paint is required to protect the wood against UV-rays. The thrust side is painted dull black
to avoid reflection of sunlight. For safety reasons the tips are painted with a different color to make the
transparent propeller disc visible when the propeller is running.
An axial needle bearing absorbs the centrifugal force of the blade. The bearing races are made of steel. The
needle cage is a one piece bearing. After repair or overhaul it can be split into two halves to allow exchange
of the cage without removing the blade ferrule.
The blade ferrules are made of aluminum alloy or steal. The blades are installed into the hub by a retention
ring (blade nut), made of aluminum alloy. The torque of the retention ring adjusts the necessary pre-load of
the blade bearing. The blade retention rings are sealed against water from outside with silicone rubber
between the retention nut and the hub. The blade shaft is sealed against water from the outside with silicone
rubber between the blade and the ferrule. The blade ferrule is sealed against water from the outside with a
lip seal between the ferrule and the retention nut.
2.4 Counterweights
Models using oil pressure to decrease pitch including feathering require counterweights. However, small
counterweights may also be used to reduce the pitch change force of the blades on models with oil pressure
to increase pitch. The counterweights are fixed to the blade ferrule by clamps and screws.
3. Installation
Warning: Before performing any work on the propeller follow the safety
precautions given in the aircraft flight manual.
Warning: The mating surface of the engine- and propeller flange must be
absolutely clean and dry before installing the propeller.
(1) Carefully clean the propeller- and engine flange with solvent. Engine torque is mainly transferred by
friction; therefore the surfaces have to be smooth and clean.
(2) Check if both O-rings (H3.1, H3.2) are installed in the center ring (H3.3) if applicable. Place center
ring in the hub, if not yet installed (refer to Picture 3-1 or 3-2).
(1) Installing the spinner bulkhead on the starter gear ring or between engine- and propeller flange if
applicable that one blade axis is aligned with a flange bushing, which does not protrude through the
engine flange.
(2) Insert all 6 flange bolts (H3.4) with the washers (H3.5) in the bores of the propeller flange.
Caution: Take care not to damage the o-ring.
(3) Slightly oil the O-ring (H3.1) in the center ring. Carefully slide the propeller on the engine flange.
Caution: To apply the correct torque the running torque of the bolt has to be
determined.
(4) Always screw in two opposite flange bolts by hand. Slightly relieve the propeller weight while doing
so. Torque flange bolts equally crosswise and wire lock 2 bolts together using stainless steel wire
with a diameter of 0.8 mm. (For the right torque see torque table Chapter 10)
(2) Slide propeller carefully onto the engine flange. Check the correct position of the dowel pins if
applicable.
(3) Slide washers (H3.6) onto the bolts (H3.8). Install new stop nuts (H3.7) and torque them equally
crosswise.
Caution: To apply the correct torque the running torque of the bolt has to be
determined.
(4) Torque the stop nuts equally crosswise (For the correct torque values see torque table Chapter 10).
The removal of the Spinner has to be done in the opposite sequence than installation.
Caution: Before removing the Propeller drain the oil from the Propeller into a
bucket.
The removal of the propeller has to be done in the opposite sequence than installation. After loosening the
self-locking nuts (H3.7) or the bolts (H3.4) and before removing the propeller allow the oil of the propeller to
drain into a bucket.
4. Operation
4.1 Propeller Pitch Change
The pitch change force of HOFFMANN composite blades is much lower than that of metal blades. This
means a lower pitch change force is required to change the blade angle and the pitch changes much faster
than with metal blades.
Warning: Prior operating the propeller, make sure every screw, bolt or stop
nut has the correct torque and everything in front of the Propeller is clean and
secured. Take precautions according the craft’s manual.
Caution: Always move propeller and / or power lever slowly and smoothly.
Do not operate the levers abruptly..
Rapid movement of the levers may cause over speeding until the governor is able to stabilize.
4.2 Governor
A gear type oil pump in the governor uses engine oil to produce the necessary oil pressure. The rotating
flyweights and a spring will operate the pilot valve in the governor. According to the situation oil is directed to
or from the propeller or the oil flow is blocked. The governor is single acting and produces oil pressure in
only one direction (either increasing or decreasing pitch). Movement of the propeller blades in the opposite
direction will be achieved in different ways.
Nearly all propeller systems for acrobatic flight use governor model “Oil pressure to decrease pitch “or an oil
accumulator which provides servo pressure to the propeller if the oil supply from the engine to the governor
is interrupted for a short time.
Warning: When operating the Propeller without the spinner dome remove
the front spinner support.
Warning: Before starting the engine take safety precautions given by the
aircraft flight manual!
Caution: After Propeller installation and before first flight a day, a static run
up has to be performed.
(1) Engine and propeller manufacturers do not recommend using high rpm during ground operation for
a long time because the engine can be overheated and the propeller be damaged by foreign objects.
(2) Start engine according to the flight manual and warm it up (oil temperature in the green).
Caution: Trapped air in the propeller hydraulic system can cause the pitch
control not working correctly and may cause surging.
(3) After warm up use the power lever to adjust the propeller rpm to about 1800 rpm. Slowly pull the
governor control in the cockpit to obtain a propeller rpm decrease of at least 200 rpm.
(4) Slowly push governor control forward and observe rpm increase. The time required for the pitch
change should be about the same in both directions (rpm increase and decrease).
(5) Repeat this procedure at least three times. The flight manual may contain additional information.
Note: The mechanical pitch stops have been set at the factory to meet the
aircraft / engine specifications.
Caution: While performing the next step be careful not to overspeed the
engine.
Caution: While performing the next step there should be NO wind or only
wind from 90 degrees left or right.
(6) Slowly apply full power using the power lever and hold it for a few seconds.
(7) The maximum static rpm shall be limited by the low pitch stop to 80 - 120 rpm below the maximum
propeller take off rpm. In flight the maximum propeller rpm has to be limited by the governor. Chapter
5.2 “Maximum Propeller RPM” describes how to find out whether the propeller or the governor limits
the static rpm.
(8) After the static run up inspect the blade retention system for grease leaks and the propeller hub
assembly for oil leaks. NO oil leaks are allowed.
Note: New or overhauled propellers can show small grease traceson the
blade. This will stop after a few operating hours.
The air resistance of a feathered propeller is much lower as the air resistance of an unfeathered propeller.
This will result in a better gliding performance of the aircraft.
To feather the Propeller reduce the Propeller rotational speed to about 900RPM. Slowly move the Propeller
lever to the feathering position, and hold the rotational speed above 800RPM. At this lever position oil will
drain from the Propeller and return to the engine sump and the propeller feathers.
Shut down the Engine as described in the aircraft manual.
To unfeather the Propeller during flight, move the Propeller lever in a normal flight (governing) range and
restart the Engine. The pitch of the Propeller will decrease. The Propeller begins to windmill and increases
the Engine rotational Speed. Warm up the engine before increasing the power.
5. Adjustment
The hard high and low pitch stops of the propeller and propeller governor have been set at the factory to
meet the aircraft / engine specifications. Therefore a readjustment of the hard stops of more than +/- 100rpm
should not be necessary.
Warning: Before performing any adjustment to the propeller make sure the
engine develops its full power and the rpm indicator is correct.
Warning: Before starting the engine take safety precautions given in the
aircraft flight manual!
Warning: To adjust the pitch stops the spinner dome and the front spinner
support have to be removed.
Note: Turning the check nut about 120° changes the low pitch stop about 1
degree or about 100 rpm.
Warning: To adjust the pitch stops the spinner dome and the front spinner
support have to be removed.
Note: Turning the check nut about 120° changes the low pitch stop about 1
degree or about 100 rpm.
Check the maximum Propeller RPM during climb or cruise. Slowly move the Propeller lever to the low pitch
position (high RPM). Take care not to over speed the engine by doing this. If the maximum RPM is too high
or too low the governor has to be readjusted as described in the governor manual. If the governor setting is
correct check the maximum RPM during descent. If the RPM increases during descent the Propeller high
pitch stop is set too low. Readjust the high pitch stop at described below.
Note: Turning the check nut about 120° changes the low pitch stop about 1
degree or about 100 rpm.
Caution: It could be, the Propeller turn in the wrong direction during
feathering. Check first the direction of the Propeller.
(1) Remove the 4 Hexagonal Head Screws and the washers as shown on the Figure 5-4.
(2) Remove the Low Pitch Stop Cap.
(3) Change the pitch with the feathering pitch stop screw.
(4) Turning clockwise (cw) facing the nut decreases feathering pitch.
(5) Turning counterclockwise (ccw) facing the nut increases feathering pitch.
Note: If the Propeller turns in the wrong direction decrease pitch otherwise
increase pitch. Change the pitch only in small steps about an half rotation of
the nut.
(6) Put back the Low Pitch Stop Cap on the Propeller.
Caution: To apply the correct torque the running torque of the bolt has to be
determined.
(7) Reinstall the 4 washers and Hexagon Head Screws and torque them (For the correct torque values
see torque table Chapter 10).
Check blade installation. No blade shake is allowed. Blade angle play up to about 1° is permitted. Check the
propeller for loose screws and safety wires, the blades and the propeller spinner for cracks and damage.
Turn blades by hand to check for smooth pitch change. Check the correct position of counterweights, if
installed.
(3) The area around the blade root between blade body and metal ferrule is sealed with silicone rubber.
NO cracks in the silicone rubber and NO separation from the metal ferrule or the blade are
permitted. A crack might indicate that the blade got loose in the ferrule. The propeller has to be
removed from service IMMEDIATELY
(4) The erosion tipping (Type A) of the propeller blades ends in the inner third of the blade. Fine cracks
in the paint along the tipping are no reason of concern.
(5) The erosion tipping (Type B and C) ends in the inner third of the blade. Fine cracks in the paint along
the tipping are no reason of concern. Cracks in the tipping perpendicular to the blade axis are not
dangerous as long as the tipping does not lift off from the blade body. Slide your fingernail along the
leading edge from the hub to the tip. If the tipping lifts off from a crack, remove propeller for repair.
(6) Fine cracks in the paint or the tipping across the blade axis, especially in the outer third of the blade,
are indications of bending vibration. In an advanced stage the tipping may break or come off piece
by piece. Notches in the tipping support this procedure. If such cracks occur, contact the factory or a
service station, which is authorized by Hoffmann.
(7) Cracks in the paint or in the blade, starting from the blade tip and extending parallel or at any angle
to the blade axis, are indications for torsional vibrations. Such cracks occur very seldom. If such
cracks occur, contact the factory or a service station authorized by Hoffmann.
(8) Hair-cracks in the paint of the blade, starting from the blade tip and / or in the blade root area and
extending in any direction are indications of vibrations or overload of the propeller blade. They are
unimportant as long as they will be paint cracks only. If they start growing quickly and penetrating
into the fibre cover contact the factory or a service station authorized by Hoffmann.
(9) Any damage in the paint in the area behind the metal- or PU- blade tipping has to be repainted
immediately after occurrence. There must not be a joint between metal- or PU- leading edge and the
blade body.
(10) Normal stone nicks in the fibre cover are unimportant as long as the wooden core is protected.
(11) Air bubbles or any other bubbles under the fibre cover, with a maximum diameter of 1.5 cm (0.6
inch) are unimportant, if size does not increase during operation.
(12) Scratches and nicks in the fibre cover should be protected with water resistant paint during routine
maintenance.
6.1.5 Overhaul
The TBO(Time Between Overhaul) is normally the same as for the engine, but should not exceed the figures
of HOFFMANN Service Bulletin No. E 1() (latest edition). Overhaul must be carried out in the factory or a
service station authorized by Hoffmann.
6.2 Cleaning
The paint on HOFFMANN composite blades is resistant against fuel, oil and nearly all solvents. The
propeller should periodically be cleaned with any gentle detergent or equivalent and protected with car polish
that does NOT contain silicone. The surface protection (paint and epoxy fibre glass) should be completely
sealed to prevent penetration of moisture into the wooden core. In special case contact an inspector with
appropriate license to assure safe operation.
6.3 Repair
If the leading edge Type B or C shows sharp nicks or becomes jagged then it should be blended using a fine
file or sand paper. Should the leading edge become eroded close to the wooden core or it starts cracking
and small pieces come off the propeller should be returned for repair.
7. Trouble Shooting
Trouble Probable cause Remedy
Blade shake Blade bearing loose Contact Hoffmann or a Hoffmann approved service
station.
Sluggish pitch change on 1. Cold oil 1. Run engine until a sufficient oil temperatur is
ground reached.
2. Friction of the 2. Move pitch change mechanism by turning the
internal pitch change blades by hand. If excessive friction is revealed,
mechanism contact Hoffmann or a Hoffmann approved service
station.
3. Oil sludge in the 3. Contact Hoffmann or a Hoffmann approved
internal pitch change service station.
mechanism
Surging RPM 1. Trapped air in the 1. Move the propeller control several times over the
propelller complete pitch change range to release air.
2. Oil sludge in the 2. Contact Hoffmann or a Hoffmann approved
pitch change system service station.
3. Wrong governor 3. Contact Hoffmann or a Hoffmann approved
service station.
4. Wrong pitch setting 4. Contact Hoffmann or a Hoffmann approved
of propeller service station.
5. Abrupt movement 5. Move lever slowly and smoothly.
of propeller control
lever
6. Wrong carburetor 6. Contact a Hoffmann approved service station.
7. Oscillation of 7. Contact a approved service station for Repair.
tachometer drive
Differences in RPM during 1. Friction in propeller 1. Contact Hoffmann or a Hoffmann approved
climb, cruise and dive at service station.
the same RPM setting
(Up to ±50 RPM is normal) 2. Friction in governor 2. Contact Hoffmann or a Hoffmann approved
service station.
3. Tachometer Contact a approved service station for Repair.
malfunction
8.2 Storage
No propeller should be stored standing on the blade tips. The best is to store the propeller in the original
packing.
Special preservation of HOFFMANN composite blades is not necessary; the existing surface protection is
sufficient. Also the hub does not need preservation if the propeller is stored in a dry room. The propeller
should not be stored near heating systems or in rooms with extreme temperature changes.
9. Specials
There are no special instructions for the HO-V343 Propeller.
10.3 HO-V343()-S