§ 70. Rear-Admiral Sir Murray Sueterasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether blades made of compressed 1153 wood laminae for use in variable pitch propellers have yet been tested in England; whether he has any information as to their efficiency, weight, and cost in comparison with metal blades; and whether he has any information as to such blades having been satisfactorily tested in Germany and being already adopted for use on German aircraft?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Air (Sir Philip Sassoon)As regards the first part of the question, there are two types of airscrew blades using compressed laminated wood for the whole or part of the blade. One type is being tested in this country, and it is hoped to commence tests with the other in the near future. As regards the second part, I am advised that although such wooden blades may be lighter and cheaper than metal blades it is unlikely that they will prove as efficient. As regards the last part, it is understood that such blades have been tested in Germany but that they are still in the development stage.