Hi all!
I am gently examining the details of the Italian propellers used on the Macchi C.200, C.202 and also the C.205.
So far, it is not a simple task, as there seems to be relatively little detail, although my task is not easy due to my lack of Italian language skill!
Very simply, the propellers used are, when rarely mentioned, referred to as the "Piaggio P.1001" which seems to be an Italian design that incorporates some common features with the German VDM types, although with considerable differences.
The information trail starts with the C.200 and this is slightly more fruitful. With the radial FIAT engine and no spinner, it can be seen that the prop Hub assembly and the operating pitch-change gear mechanism behind have some similarity to the VDM, but they are different. This "P.1001" propeller system seems to be covered in a Piaggio P.1001 manual. However, the description of the operating system is complicated and does not match the cockpit equipment to be seen in the aircraft, C.200, C.202 or C.205 as far as I can tell!
Unfortunately, pictures of the propeller hubs and prop equipment of the C.202 and C.205 seem to be very rare and definitive detail of the propeller type on the later aircraft is elusive.
So, does anyone have some better detail on these propellers?
To start with I can show a little info that I have defined.
The Italian propellers on the Alfa Romeo RA 1000 RC.41 licence built DB 601A engine were fitted onto an extended stub shaft with x36 fine splines, rather than the German DB 601A engine that used a radial splined coupling on the prop shaft extension with x16 coarse splines. The plot thickens, when I look at the Piaggio P.1001 prop manual and that seems to show x16 coarse splines in the Hub.
DB 601A
Alfa Romeo RA 1000 "Monsone". Pic from Milan Museum. Note the fine splines on the extended stub shaft.
A screen grab of the Piaggio P.1001 Prop hub, visible in the centre is the coarse spline shaft feature.
Cheers
Eng
I am gently examining the details of the Italian propellers used on the Macchi C.200, C.202 and also the C.205.
So far, it is not a simple task, as there seems to be relatively little detail, although my task is not easy due to my lack of Italian language skill!
Very simply, the propellers used are, when rarely mentioned, referred to as the "Piaggio P.1001" which seems to be an Italian design that incorporates some common features with the German VDM types, although with considerable differences.
The information trail starts with the C.200 and this is slightly more fruitful. With the radial FIAT engine and no spinner, it can be seen that the prop Hub assembly and the operating pitch-change gear mechanism behind have some similarity to the VDM, but they are different. This "P.1001" propeller system seems to be covered in a Piaggio P.1001 manual. However, the description of the operating system is complicated and does not match the cockpit equipment to be seen in the aircraft, C.200, C.202 or C.205 as far as I can tell!
Unfortunately, pictures of the propeller hubs and prop equipment of the C.202 and C.205 seem to be very rare and definitive detail of the propeller type on the later aircraft is elusive.
So, does anyone have some better detail on these propellers?
To start with I can show a little info that I have defined.
The Italian propellers on the Alfa Romeo RA 1000 RC.41 licence built DB 601A engine were fitted onto an extended stub shaft with x36 fine splines, rather than the German DB 601A engine that used a radial splined coupling on the prop shaft extension with x16 coarse splines. The plot thickens, when I look at the Piaggio P.1001 prop manual and that seems to show x16 coarse splines in the Hub.
DB 601A
Alfa Romeo RA 1000 "Monsone". Pic from Milan Museum. Note the fine splines on the extended stub shaft.
A screen grab of the Piaggio P.1001 Prop hub, visible in the centre is the coarse spline shaft feature.
Cheers
Eng
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