The Selection of Propellers for High Thrust at Low Airspeed

Abstract

Problem of improving thrust at low speeds is primarily one of reducing angle of attack of operation of sections to improve L/D or reducing blade helix angle. An analysis, based on recent propeller data, is presented for determining improvements in thrust or efficiency which could be obtained by increased number of blades, increased blade width, increased diameter, dual rotation, and two-speed gearing. All methods were found very effective, particularly two-speed gearing.