| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
jake
Joined: 25 Oct 2009
Posts: 80
Location: minnesota
|
| Posted: Sun Apr 11, 2010 7:56 pm Post subject: 2 blade vs 3 blade prop |
|
|
Ive heard that two blades are faster in cruise but slightly less performance on takeoff. Also a 3 blades is supposedly quieter.
Would this be true on a rotax lsa?
Would the three blade be worth the extra $2000?
Jake |
|
| Back to top |
|
drseti
Joined: 28 Nov 2009
Posts: 1387
Location: Lock Haven PA
|
| Posted: Sun Apr 11, 2010 9:25 pm Post subject: Re: 2 blade vs 3 blade prop |
|
|
jake wrote:
Would this be true on a rotax lsa?
I can't answer that exact question, Jake, since all the Rotax powered LSAs I've flown (SportStars, Goboshes, SportCruisers, and Remos) have had 3 blades. But, I owned a Beechcraft for 30 years, and flew it half that time with 2 blades, half with 3. So, I can give at least a general answer based upon my experience.
3 blades is noticeably quieter in the cabin. The engine runs smoother (less vibration). Ground clearance is improved, because the blades can be shorter. I gave up a couple of knots of ground speed in return for STOL performance (takeoff run was 25% shorter, and climb performance increased significantly). On the down side, the extra weight on the nose shifted the CG toward the forward edge of the envelope, making loading more of a challenge. (In fact, this is probably why I lost a little airspeed -- the back elevator required when nose-heavy induces drag).
I can say that my present WoodComp Klassic 3-bladed prop on my SportStar has significant issues with erosion of the blade tips. Were I to be using a 2-bladed prop, the blades would be longer, the ground clearance less, and hence the erosion problem probably even worse.
Quote:
Would the three blade be worth the extra $2000?
For me, the answer is an unqualified yes. When I eventually replace my WoodComp, it will be with another 3 bladed prop (though probably from WarpSpeed). |
|
| Back to top |
|
bitten192
Joined: 21 Dec 2009
Posts: 61
Location: RICHLAND WA USA
|
| Posted: Sun Apr 11, 2010 10:21 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I put a 3 blade ground adjustable prop on my REMOS G3. Much quieter and less vibration. I adjusted it for cruise at 4900 rpm and picked up a couple of mph in cruise. Climb performance is fine but the REMOS climbs very quickly any way.
Ernie |
|
| Back to top |
|
N918KT
Joined: 23 Jan 2010
Posts: 209
Location: Northern NJ in NYC metro area
|
| Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 6:51 am Post subject: |
|
|
| In my opinion, I prefer a 2-blade prop because from an aesthetic point of view, the plane looks much simpler. I'm a big fan of 2-blade props in low and slow aircrafts. |
|
| Back to top |
|
drseti
Joined: 28 Nov 2009
Posts: 1387
Location: Lock Haven PA
|
| Posted: Mon Apr 12, 2010 7:35 am Post subject: |
|
|
N918KT wrote: In my opinion,
And, that's just it -- it's all a matter of personal taste (like the high wing / low wing debate). Go with what you like, and have fun! |
|
| Back to top |
|
| |
