Questions tagged [propeller-aircraft]
Questions regarding aircraft driven by propellers, rather than by jet or rocket engines, gravity, or flapping their wings.
10
questions
3
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2answers
267 views
What are the aerodynamic design principles behind the “supersonic” propeller of Luigi Colani's C-309 racing plane?
One of Luigi Colani's designs that is particularly confusing to me is the second design iteration of the C-309 propeller racing airplane. Allegedly, its two propellers are designed to be supersonic ...
0
votes
0answers
66 views
Does a 3-blade prop handle up/down drafts better than a 2-blade?
I'm about to order a plane kit (RV-10) and one of the choices I'll be making is a 3-blade vs 2-blade propeller. A 3-blade prop should be: easier to balance, quieter and capable of generating more ...
14
votes
2answers
2k views
What determines the direction of rotation for counter-rotating propellers?
As Wikipedia and other sources make clear, most twins with counter-rotating props are configured with the left (#1) prop turning clockwise (as viewed from behind the plane) and the right (#2) prop ...
1
vote
0answers
86 views
Supersonic propellers for supersonic aircraft? [duplicate]
A propeller is a spinning wing. Supersonic wings work. So, provided that the blades are made wide-chord and thin like supersonic wings are, with a supersonic airfoil, can they not power efficiently a ...
0
votes
0answers
82 views
What is the effect of moving a propeller closer to a wing?
Does it improve efficiency?
What if the wing is just a plate? Certainly increasing plate thickness will decrease efficiency.
15
votes
1answer
3k views
Can anyone identify the aircraft in the background of this photo?
This photo was found in some family belongings and we're trying to date it to identify the family member who may have been in his tri-service imaged. So, can anyone identify the plane in the ...
3
votes
1answer
201 views
Do ducted fans have a future in forward flight aircraft? Can they be made more efficient than open rotors?
I'm fascinated by how ducted fans have the ability to be more efficient than open propellers of equal diameter in vertical flight through the use of tight tolerances, lightweight duct material, proper ...
1
vote
2answers
161 views
How does the noise of a 2-to-4-seat helicopter compare with that of a similarly-sized fixed-wing aircraft?
We are considering allowing helicopters on our private airstrip (2600 ft strip). Noise on the ground (and approach) is the concern from the community.
Does anyone know approximate dB ratings for a ...
6
votes
4answers
177 views
Does a left spin differ from a right spin for a single-engine propeller aircraft, in terms of spin characteristics & ease of recovery?
Given a single-engine propeller aircraft with its nose-mounted propeller rotating on the right-hand side when viewed from the cockpit, and given the typical effects like P-factor, prop-wash and ...
4
votes
2answers
170 views
Why are propeller driven aircraft commonly built with a higher wing aspect ratio and a straighter wing angle?
Why do propeller driven aircraft (especially smaller ones like fighters) tend to have a narrower wing with a higher aspect ratio and a more perpendicular wing angle in relation to the body, whereas ...
