Cowboy1968
January 27th, 2009, 07:36
My last question brought siome great answers, so I thought I would try again.
My thoughts on this line of study is the constant speed propeller, which allowed the pilot to set the RPM of the prop allowing for a more efferent use of horsepower. This was accomplished using hydraulics (oil) feed to the prop blades through a constant speed governor to alter the pitch of the blades allowing them to get the best bite in the air. The governor would change the amount of oil as horsepower from the engine was raised or lowered. This would keep the prop spinning at the desired RPM set by the pilot. This allowed the engine to be used in its most fuel economic settings. This type of prop was first manufactured by Curtiss Electric.
Yes there were other ways and other methods used that could accomplish the same thing the constant speed propeller could, one being the variable pitch propeller. this is where the pilot can set the pitch of the blades, also by hydraulics. This type of prop can allow the pilot of an aircraft to reverse the thrust of the blades applying the power of the prop to back a plane up while still maintaining a constant horsepower and speed on the prop shaft. This type of prop is generally found on the big propliner passenger planes of the 1950's, but it was invented in 1933 by Hamilton Standard. One of the problems with the first variable pitch props was that when the pilot changed horsepower in the engine he also had to make sure and reset the pitch of the blades to the desired RPM.
This lead to most Military aircraft of the time using the constant speed props as opposed to the variable pitch propeller. Less worries for the pilot.
Though by the 1950's both Cortiss Electric and Hamilton Standard had propellers on the market that allowed for both constant speed control over the blades and the ability to reverse the thrust of the engines. Again these prop were used on airliners and larger military aircraft like the B-36, C-74 transport and ships of the kind.
My thoughts on this line of study is the constant speed propeller, which allowed the pilot to set the RPM of the prop allowing for a more efferent use of horsepower. This was accomplished using hydraulics (oil) feed to the prop blades through a constant speed governor to alter the pitch of the blades allowing them to get the best bite in the air. The governor would change the amount of oil as horsepower from the engine was raised or lowered. This would keep the prop spinning at the desired RPM set by the pilot. This allowed the engine to be used in its most fuel economic settings. This type of prop was first manufactured by Curtiss Electric.
Yes there were other ways and other methods used that could accomplish the same thing the constant speed propeller could, one being the variable pitch propeller. this is where the pilot can set the pitch of the blades, also by hydraulics. This type of prop can allow the pilot of an aircraft to reverse the thrust of the blades applying the power of the prop to back a plane up while still maintaining a constant horsepower and speed on the prop shaft. This type of prop is generally found on the big propliner passenger planes of the 1950's, but it was invented in 1933 by Hamilton Standard. One of the problems with the first variable pitch props was that when the pilot changed horsepower in the engine he also had to make sure and reset the pitch of the blades to the desired RPM.
This lead to most Military aircraft of the time using the constant speed props as opposed to the variable pitch propeller. Less worries for the pilot.
Though by the 1950's both Cortiss Electric and Hamilton Standard had propellers on the market that allowed for both constant speed control over the blades and the ability to reverse the thrust of the engines. Again these prop were used on airliners and larger military aircraft like the B-36, C-74 transport and ships of the kind.