Ok, this thread has gotten huge, but as promised I called the Warp Drive
folks again.  And of course, my memory "ain't what it used to be."  They
know of no application in use with their props running at 350 mph
forward velocity.

There were many caveats, like amphib versus airplane versus airboat, and
massive power strokes to the prop (like Lyc's and Continentals) and
several others I don't remember, BUT, in general:
1. the Warp Drive props are outstanding in low speed and horsepower
ranges
2. 2 blades can be used up to about 100 hp,
3. 3 blades must be used above about 100 hp to about 160-180 hp,
4. 4 blades must be used above the 160-180 hp range,
5. 200 hp is about their total limit,
6. 200 (kts or mph?) is about the upper limit for their speed range
7. for cruise in the 175-200 mph range, the multi-blade Warp Drive
solution will be about 7 mph slower than a top-notch wood prop, but
equal or better to the heavier metal props,
8. at max speeds above about 175-200 mph, the Warp Drive will be approx
15 mph slower,
9. one gets much better static and take off thrusts with engines below
200 hp due to the much lighter weights of the Warp Drive carbon blades
(several caveats there, too.)
10. a multi-blade Warp Drive solution will get an amphib up on step much
quicker than almost any other type of prop solution,
11. with my 143 hp Ford engine in a Mustang II, and optimized for
cruise, I may lose as much as 5 mph max cruise (not max overall speed)
as compared to an optimized wood prop, but the carbon prop will last
many years longer and will take off and climb better.  Further, my CG is
greatly enhanced with only 12 lbs hanging in front of the engine.  It's
almost the ideal solution for my (isolated?) situation.  By adding wheel
pants, I can get nearly 20 knots back according to Ken Paser anyway.
12. The 3 bladed Warp Drive with nickel leading edge solution costs from
1/2 to 1/8th the next nearest in efficiency for my app.

Whew!  There is more but I have forgotten by now 8-).

HTH,
AI Nut

 
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