VARIABLE PITCH COUNTERWEIGHTED PROPELLER SYSTEM WITH RELEASABLE HYDRAULIC PITCHLOCK

摘要

The hydraulic propeller system of the present invention has a central hub (14) including a stationary portion (28), and a rotatable portion (30). A plurality of propeller blades (12) are connected with the rotatable portion (30), wherein each of the plurality of propeller blades (12) has an adjustable pitch, and a counterweight (26) biasing the blades (12) in a first pitch direction . An actuating mechanism (16) is used for adjusting the pitch of each of the plurality of blades (12). A valve (56) for locking the propeller blades (12) at a last commanded pitch is further provided. At least the valve (56), the actuating mechanism (16) are located on, and rotatable with, the rotatable portion (30).