Project detailsx

Client: Theme park Madurodam
Location: The Hague, Netherlands
Year: 2020
Material: Carbon pre-preg
Specifics: There was only one original propeller blade and part of the engine housing available as an example for making the new propellers. Thanks to our many years of experience, this creative challenge was no problem for us.

On 2 July 2020, the new indoor attraction “The Flying Dutchman” in Madurodam opened its doors to the public. This unique ‘flight experience’ is in a life-size, fully restored Douglas DC-3, better known as Dakota. This type of aircraft is seen as a true ‘gamechanger’ in the history of aviation and is also the most built aircraft in aviation history.

Challenging renovation
The builders of Madurodam have been working for over a year and a half on the restoration and transformation of the Dakota. Holland Composites contributed to this by equipping the iconic aircraft with new propellers, made of robust and lightweight carbon pre-preg.
We love creative challenges and making the new propellers was one of them. There was only one original propeller blade and part of the engine housing left. Our carbon experts moulded this sheet with carbon fibre, creating a mould. This mould was used to make the new carbon propeller blades, entirely in the style of the original engine propellers.

The advantages of carbon over metal:

• Lightweight – reduction of the total weight of the attraction
• Corrosion-free – no rust formation = no unsightly and weakened areas
• Low maintenance – remains nice and tidy even after years of standing in all weathers, which in turn reduces maintenance costs.

An extra special aspect of Madurodam’s newest attraction is its size: scale 1:1. This has never before been used in the miniature city of Madurodam and shows the enormous creativity and craftsmanship of the builders. We are very proud that with our knowledge and skills we have contributed to the metamorphosis of the Dakota to the spectacular attraction “The Flying Dutchman”.

Do you also have a creative challenge when it comes to carbon composite? Contact our carbon experts now!