The Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO/NL) responsible for innovative new solutions for the Dutch Ministry of Defence and Navy, recently initiated the re-mounting of the composite propeller blades made by Airborne Marine.
The composite propeller blades were put through severe testing in 2012 and even encountered some operational action. They performed better than expected. Both the DMO and the ship’s commander were convinced that after the initial validation slot, the propeller blades are ready for the next level of testing in the form of a second slot. Next year the Dutch Navy will commence with the second testing period of the composite propeller blades and this is expected to last one year. Airborne is confident that the composite propeller blades will live up to expectations and is looking forward to this new challenge. The design process of the composite propeller blades is identical to that used for the tidal turbine blades Airborne Marine is now manufacturing. The test results obtained from this validation will provide valuable feed back in order to optimize design approaches regarding submerged Marine applications; Airborne Marine’s focus. Airborne wishes the Navy crew lots of success for next year.