Abstract text

An engine having at least one stage of propeller rotor blades, and a load, the at least one stage being associated with electrical generation means to generate electricity for the load. The load is switchable into a high load state in the event of an overspeed signal from the rotor blades. Also a method of controlling rotor overspeed of an engine, characterised by the steps of:

• • i. detecting an overspeed signal from the at least one stage, and
  • ii. switching the load into a high load state to apply torque to the at least one stage to counteract the overspeed.