IVO Hub Weight Reduction
Since I needed to purchase new regular IVO blades for the MZ 34, I decided to try and reduce as much weight as I could from the hub assembly. While preserving the through hole section, I drilled out each side of the plastic spacers. This saved 0.6 ounces. Next I drilled the adjusting screw lock nut, and the hole in the adjusting screw was enlarged. This saved 1.6 ounces.
Much more material could be removed from inside the screw, but drilling is very difficult. If I can find and an electrical discharge machine shop that is reasonable, I may have another go at enlarging the hole.
|
Since the new blades replace high pitched blades, it is hoped that the regular blades will perform properly at neutral or higher pitch. This allows the spacer to be discarded. This saves 11.0 ounces. Also shorter bolts can be used and this saved an additional 0.5 ounce. This gives a total weight savings of 13.7 ounces.
Here is the propeller mounted, bolts torqued, and ready for testing.