Norrønafly has been an authorised maintainer of Dowty R354, R375, R389 and R390 propeller types since 2023. This latest amendment allows Norrønafly to provide MRO services for the Dowty R381 propeller, as installed on Saab 2000.

The agreement continues to cover several Dowty metal propeller types fitted to other platforms, including the CASA 212 (R334), Jetstream 31/32 (R333), Gulfstream Commander (R306) and Fairchild SA227 (R321, R324).

Norrønafly Propeller & NDT, based out of Oslo, Norway, is a leading European maintenance centre for aircraft propeller service and has a long history of supporting aircraft propeller maintenance, including Dowty products.

Henry Johnston, president at Dowty, “Norrønafly is a highly capable MRO provider and we are pleased to expand the terms of our partnership to support Saab 2000. We will continue to work closely with the Norrønafly team to deliver first class service for Dowty customers.”

Per-Arne Johansen, CEO at Norrønafly Propeller & NDT, “We are excited to provide future maintenance support to Saab 2000 operators. We see this continuing cooperation with Dowty as a great opportunity to strengthen propeller services for our common customers for many years to come.”

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About Dowty

Dowty, a GE Aerospace company is a world-leader in electronically controlled, all-composite propeller systems. Its products are used in a range of civil and military applications, including commercial airliners and military airlifters to multi-role seaplanes and marine hovercraft. Dowty’s history of firsts-to-market includes the all-composite propeller blade and full-authority digital propeller control.  To date, more than 25,000 advanced composite blades have been delivered by Dowty, with the lead blade logging over 50,000 hours of flight time.  https://www.dowty.com

Media contact

Emma Powell (emma.powell@dowty.com)

The agreement promotes Amapola Flyg AB as an authorised maintainer of Dowty R352/R410 propeller types, as installed on the Fokker F50 and F60 platforms.

Amapola Flyg AB is a leading aircraft maintenance provider and operator dedicated to offering comprehensive services customized to meet the needs of the aviation industry.

The Dowty Authorised MRO Network is designed to provide operators with high-quality, regional maintenance support. These services come with the reassurance of additional OEM technical support, quality oversight through regular audits, and continual close engagement between Dowty and the MRO.

“We are very pleased to have expanded our relationship with Amapola,” says Richard Gregson, OE Product Leader at Dowty. “This agreement recognises their many years of experience with the F50 platform and their ongoing support to the wider fleet.”

Thomas Carlborg, Technical Director, Amapola Flyg AB says, “This agreement marks a significant step forward for Amapola Flyg AB as we solidify our commitment to delivering high-quality maintenance services.

We look forward to ensuring Dowty propeller systems are maintained to the highest standards. This collaboration will allow Amapola Flyg AB to leverage its extensive expertise in propeller maintenance while providing Dowty propeller users with timely and efficient overhaul services.”

PrISM (Propeller Ice Shed Measurement) is a three-year project, concluding in December 2024, with the aim of generating 3D propeller ice accumulation and shedding data via simulation, and validating using ice tunnel test results.

Conducted by a consortium consisting of AeroTex GmbH, Dowty, a GE Aerospace company, Rail Tec Arsenal (RTA) and the Austrian Institute for Icing Sciences (AIIS), the project also aims to assess the impact of standard and supercooled large droplet (SLD) icing conditions on propellers and their de-icing systems, and further understand ice shedding mechanisms with regards to system design and ice impact.

Recently, Engineering and Development Test teams from Dowty prepared and conducted final tests for the PrISM project using a purpose-built test propeller. Following the success of the first campaign in April 2024, where feasibility of novel measurement equipment developed within the project was proven on an existing test propeller, this second test took learnings acquired from the previous test as well as new analysis tools developed from those results, and used a test propeller designed specifically to mimic one appropriate to a large transport aircraft. It created a broad range of icing conditions (including supercooled large droplets) and corresponding shedding events representative of a larger propeller, providing new insight into the impact of icing on regional transport aircraft.

Supercooled Large Droplet (SLD) consist of water droplets with diameters in excess of 100 microns and up to diameters of around 2mm that remain a liquid in the air at temperatures below 0°C, and are typical of freezing drizzle and rain conditions. They can be particularly hazardous to aircraft due to the larger volume of water striking the surface and therefore the ice that can rapidly accumulate on the airframe and propulsion components, including propellers. The complex dynamics of the larger droplets as they strike the surface of the aircraft can also lead to different ice formation characteristics compared to the smaller droplets that were historically considered in aircraft and ice protection system design.

As a result of increased knowledge of these atmospheric conditions, and a number of fatal accidents where SLD conditions were identified as a contributory factor, the certification regulations related to icing conditions have been expanded to include SLD conditions as Appendix O to 14CFR/CS-25.

Dowty provided the test propeller, ice protection system and design input for 3D icing and heating simulations carried out by PrISM’s lead partner, AeroTex GmbH, who also coordinated the testing in RTA’s large climatic wind tunnel. The propeller rig itself, upgraded for the project to achieve higher power, was also provided by RTA and is capable of measuring key propeller performance parameters such as thrust, torque, power and vibration during ice accumulation and shedding. Data from thermocouples and strain gauges embedded in the propeller were also acquired for monitoring purposes. The novel measurement equipment provided by AIIS allowed for the tracking of ice as it is shed from the test propeller as well as assessment of the kinetic energy of the ice.

The project received funding from the Federal Ministry of Austria for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK) as part of the Austrian Aeronautics Programme TAKE OFF via the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG).

“As one of the largest operators of Dash 8 Q-400s in Europe, we are honoured that Sky Alps has put their trust in Dowty to keep the fleet flying safely and reliably,” said Henry Johnston, Dowty President and GM. “We look forward to providing a bespoke and fully comprehensive support package to deliver reduced maintenance burdens and predictable dispatch certainty.”

Dowty brings 25 years’ proven OEM capability with the Dash 8 Q-400 propeller system to this agreement. Also included are 24/7, 365 days a year Aircraft on Ground (AOG) coverage and dedicated program support.

Sky Alps General Director Aviation & Operations, Alex Spinato said. “It is a pleasure to start this long-term collaboration with Dowty. We have ambitious growth plans over the coming few years and for that we need a reliable MRO partner to help ensure availability and propeller system performance. The global overview and fleet data analysis that Dowty bring will also enable us to operate our aircraft in the most efficient and sustainable manner possible, thereby contributing to our headline sustainability charter.”

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About Dowty, a GE Aerospace company
Dowty, a GE Aerospace company, is a world-leader in electronically controlled, all-composite propeller systems. Its products are used in a range of civil and military applications, including commercial airliners and military airlifters to multi-role seaplanes and marine hovercraft. Dowty’s history of firsts-to-market includes the all-composite propeller blade and full-authority digital propeller control.

About Sky Alps
SkyAlps is an Italian airline with its headquarters and hub at Bolzano Airport. Since 16 January 2023, SkyAlps has been taking off with its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and is officially Italy’s 5th airline. Founded in 2021, SkyAlps now connects over 20 European cities with direct flights. The entire fleet consists of DASH-8 Q-400 aircraft – turboprop-powered machines for short and medium-haul flights with a maximum capacity of 76 seats. With 2.3 litres per passenger per 100 kilometres flown, the DASH-8 Q-400s save up to 50 per cent in emissions compared to other regional jets and generate less noise during take-off and landing.

Dowty Propellers representatives commemorated the first Dowty R391 Propeller overhaul through the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex, June 13, 2024. The ceremony was held at the C-130J aircraft propeller repair facility, Robins AFB, Georgia. From left to right: Joel Davis, Jeremy Barnes, Brian Pollock, Mazen Hammoud, Becky Bray, Vann Burkart, Bill O’Connell, John Kauzlarich

Dowty, a world leader in electronically controlled, all-composite propeller systems, recently joined the US Air Force at Robins Air Force Base to celebrate the first C130-J propeller repair at the depot.  

The first propeller to be repaired at the facility, based in Georgia, USA, is an exciting new milestone in Dowty’s first direct partnership with the US Air Force.  

The WR-ALC Depot is a Public Private Partnership between USAF WR -ALC and Dowty, a GE Aerospace company. Dowty employees have trained US military personnel to provide depot-level maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of the Dowty R391 propeller installed on the C-130J, which has an unmatched 27-year record of operational reliability, and ancillary components to support the USAF C-130J fleet. 

This new chapter in what is already a successful partnership has been heralded a real vote of confidence from the customer on the additional value Dowty can bring to site through its quality operational support. 

Henry Johnston, president at Dowty, says: “We take great pride in the work we do to support the US Air Force and are thrilled to see the first propeller serviced at this one-of-its-kind facility.  

“This next iteration of the partnership between Dowty and the US Air Force is an exciting one, as we continue to provide the benefits of our extensive experience and work more closely together to sustain aircraft availability. The C-130J has already achieved three million flight hours during its lifetime, but still has much work to do. We are looking forward to continued success with Robins Air Force Base personnel as we help support successful missions for the C-130J for many years to come.” 

Brig. Gen. Jon Eberlan, WR-ALC commander, said the depot plays a pivotal role in generating warfighter readiness. 

“Our partnership with Dowty in the sustainment of the C-130J aircraft propellers allows the depot to meet the need of keeping aircraft in the hands of the warfighter,” he said. “As the Air Force undergoes changes to strengthen readiness, the WR-ALC will continue to provide support through world-class maintenance and overhaul of weapon systems that support the United States Air Force mission.”  

To mark the occasion a special ceremony and site tour were held on 13th June 2024, attended by Scott Edge, Commodities Maintenance Group Director, Jonathan Tucker, 572nd Commodities Maintenance Squadron Director, alongside members of the Dowty team from around the world. Dowty’s Americas Services Leader Mazen Hammoud presented the US Air Force Programs Office and the Maintenance Group with a ceremonial blade to mark the occasion.

The 572nd Commodities Maintenance Squadron Dowty Propellers Shop team commemorated the first Dowty R391 Propeller overhaul through the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex with a photo at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, June 13, 2024.

Using the Dowty test propeller coupled to the upgraded RTA rig, PrISM’s lead partner AeroTex GmbH alongside the Austrian Institute of Icing Sciences (AIIS), Dowty and RTA successfully accreted ice representative of an operational environment and activated the de-icing system to shed the built-up ice. The shed event characteristics were captured using novel measurement systems under development as part of the project, including live tracking of the ice particles via vision systems and high-speed cameras, as well as the measurement of kinetic energy of the ice upon impact.

“Currently there is a lack of data on propeller icing and how it is shed,” explains Nick Bown, senior engineer at Dowty, “but this first PrISM test has provided a wealth of new data which initial inspections suggest will provide a significant contribution to our understanding of propeller icing. We look forward to continuing to work with the consortium partners towards a second trial and completion of the project at the end of 2024.”

PrISM
PrISM is a two-year project which aims to validate ice shedding simulation with physical testing and novel measurement techniques. Lead partner AeroTex GmbH are supporting icing simulation technique development along with validation via ice tunnel testing, RTA are providing use of their ice tunnel facility, the Austrian Institute of Icing Sciences are aiding in novel measurement techniques and data capture and Dowty are supplying test articles, de-icing mechanisms and simulation input data. The project received funding from the Federal Ministry of Austria for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK) as part of the Austrian Aeronautics Programme TAKE OFF via the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG).

As lead author on the paper, entitled ‘Experimental and Analytical Evaluation of Low-Noise Propeller Designs for Large Regional Aircraft’, Nick took to the stage in Florida to present the results of the IRON project during the Conference’s ‘Propeller, Open Rotor, and Rotorcraft Noise II’ session.

IRON, part of Clean Sky 2, aimed to drastically reduce the environmental impact of future regional aviation by reducing noise levels, fuel consumption, CO2 and NOx emissions. The project was coordinated by CIRA, the Italian Aerospace Research Centre, with Leonardo responsible for setting the performance targets for the aircraft. There were also a number of other core partners, in addition to Dowty – Avio Aero, CENAERO,  GE Aviation Advanced Technology (AAT), NLR, and ONERA.

As Nick explains, “It was a privilege to be able to represent the IRON consortium at the conference and share the exciting results from the project which demonstrated the significant propeller noise reductions available for future platforms. The presentation was really well attended despite being the last one of the session on a Friday afternoon but this did allow the opportunity to discuss the project and results in more detail with many of the audience.”

You can find out more about the IRON project on the Dowty news page: https://www.dowty.com/innovation-news/the-iron-project-the-future-of-regional-aviation/

Paper Abstract

Two innovative, low noise propellers have been designed against a comprehensive set of requirements for a next generation propeller driven regional aircraft. These designs have been scaled down for wind tunnel testing and have shown significant noise reduction when compared to a state-of-the-art conventional design. Testing has been carried out at both low-speed conditions associated with the community noise certification points and at a high-speed cruise condition and a summary of the results are presented. Corrections have been derived to align the test data for a direct comparison of the propeller performance and noise. Unsteady aero-acoustic simulations of the wind tunnel configurations at cruise are also presented which show they are capable of predicting, with reasonable accuracy, the differences in efficiency and tonal noise between the three propeller designs.

To purchase the paper, please visit the Aerospace Research Central website.

About AIAA

The AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition (AIAA SciTech Forum) program covers the science, technologies, and policies that are shaping the future of aerospace. The forum is the largest event for aerospace research, development, and technology in the world—bringing together 11 individual technical disciplines. AIAA SciTech Forum delegates include over 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students, and aerospace professionals from nearly 1,000 corporate, academic, and government institutions in 43 countries.

The agreement promotes Norrønafly as an authorised maintainer of Dowty R354, R375, R389 and R390 propeller types as installed on the Saab 340 platform. The agreement also covers several Dowty metal propeller types fitted to other platforms, including the CASA 212 (R334), Jetstream 31/32 (R333), Gulfstream Commander (R306) and Fairchild SA227 (R321, R324).

Norrønafly Propeller & NDT, based out of Oslo, Norway, is a leading European maintenance centre for aircraft propeller service and has a long history of supporting aircraft propeller maintenance, including Dowty products.

Richard Gregson, OE Product Leader at Dowty, “We are thrilled to have reached this agreement with Norrønafly, which will strengthen our support for Saab 340 and metal propeller products across Europe. Norrønafly has an excellent reputation for its repair and overhaul services, and we look forward to working more closely with their team to better serve Dowty customers in the region.”

Lars Kristian Vehus, CEO at Norrønafly Propeller and NDT, “We are proud to be a part of the Dowty network. We are seeing this cooperation with Dowty as a great opportunity to strengthen propeller services for our common customers for many years to come”.

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About Norrønafly

Norrønafly Propeller and NDT, a DAO Aviation group company, centrally located in Oslo, Norway, is a leading European maintenance centre for propellers, NDT, composites, spare parts, and related services. https://www.norronafly.com/

About Dowty

Dowty, a GE Aerospace company, is a world-leader in electronically controlled, all-composite propeller systems. Its products are used in a range of civil and military applications, including commercial airliners and military airlifters to multi-role seaplanes and marine hovercraft. Dowty’s history of firsts-to-market includes the all-composite propeller blade and full-authority digital propeller control.  To date, more than 25,000 advanced composite blades have been delivered by Dowty, with the lead blade logging over 50,000 hours of flight time.  https://www.dowty.com

This will be carried out by the non-healthcare division, AdaptixNDE and will also be supported by leading UK aerospace composite manufacturing primes, Spirit AeroSystems and GKN Aerospace.

Andy Barnes, AdaptixNDE Commercial Director stated: “We’re translating a highly innovative hardware solution from healthcare into aerospace, allowing us to inspect in dry-preform, where other methods simply can’t. This means an earlier first point-of-inspection during manufacture to reduce cost, time, material waste and machinery usage on unfit parts. This NATEP project will help automate the inspection for composite failure detection earlier in manufacture and through-life with significant economic and environmental impacts. It’s exciting to evolve Adaptix’ inspection capability and make moves towards the future by pioneering the route to NDE 4.0 and through-life Digital Twin inspection. NATEP was designed specifically to help companies develop and exploit their technology offering using a mix of part funding and technology mentoring and is a perfect fit for Adaptix Auto3DXNDE for this, our second project with the programme.”

About Adaptix and AdaptixNDE
Adaptix Limited is transforming radiology through the development of innovative fast-acquisition, low-flux, deployable Digital Tomosynthesis 3D X-ray with applications across a multitude of global markets.

AdaptixNDE are taking this technology into Aerospace composites where non-destructive evaluation (NDE) is dominated by ultrasonics for speed, cost and portability benefits. This is because the aspirational Computed Tomography 3D X-ray is too prohibitive because of high-cost (and running/maintenance cost), -weight, -power, and slow-speed. AdaptixNDE are offering 3D internal visualisation at the point of diagnostics earlier in manufacture and through-life with a consistent digital output facilitating Digital Twins and NDE4.0.

About Dowty
Dowty, a GE Aerospace company, is a world-leader in electronically controlled, all-composite propeller systems. Its products are used in a range of civil and military applications, including commercial airliners and military airlifters to multi-role seaplanes and marine hovercraft. Dowty’s history of firsts-to-market includes the all-composite propeller blade and full-authority digital propeller control.  To date, more than 25,000 advanced composite blades have been delivered by Dowty, with the lead blade logging over 50,000 hours of flight time.