You know what would be cool?

[PRB]

I wish FS would simulate the noise associated with props out of sync. Whum-whum-whum-whuuuum-whuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuun-whuuum-whum-whum-whum... Then you would have to sync them up with the prop controls. Wouldn't that be the best thing ever?

[N2056]

Yep...it would be a great effect!

[bazzar]

Have you flown our Lancaster?

[PRB]

Are you saying your Lancaster does this? So if they're way out of sync they go “oo-aa-oo-aa-oo-aa-oo”, and if they're just a little out of sync they go “ooooooooooooo-aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-ooooooooooooo”, like that? And if they're in sync, but “out of phase” they go “...oooooooooo...”, and if they're in sync but “in phase” they go “...aaaaaaaaaaaa...” ? I might have to buy that ship if it does that...

This does bring up something interesting that I hadn't considered: four engines! The only four engine prop plane I've ever been in was an old navy C-118 (DC-6) back in the 1980s, and I don't remember noticing this propeller phasing business, but I would imagine the sound is a little more “complex” with four props to be in or out of sync with each other.

My only real experience with this phenomenon has been with twin turbo-props, DHC-6s, Beech 1900s, and a couple others. The phasing noise goes from loud to quiet, when out of sync, and I'm guessing the pilots try to sync up the props such that the noise settles on the “down” or quiet side, but it's possible to sync them on the loud side. I use the term “in phase” and “out of phase” for this, but I really don't know if that's technically correct. I'm guessing it is though.

Props are cool, that about sums it up.

[Navy Chief]

Paul,

I too, had the experience of a hop in a C-118. And if my memory serves me correctly, the crew had everyone move forward in the aircraft seating before landing. Something about the aircraft being tail heavy?

NC