While we are waiting on a new part for the prop transmission, Composite Team member Bart Long is shown installing a centering rib for the duct in the rear of the Switchblade. As has been mentioned earlier, the Switchblade propeller is located in a duct at the rear of the vehicle, providing noise control and safety on the ground.
The prop tips run close to the duct face and it is important to keep the duct centered on the propeller. Hence the addition of a centering device to help keep it that way, even when we take off the forward part of the duct to gain engine access. This is part of the process to improve the maintainability of the design and help us be able to easily and quickly check on the engine after each test flight.
