Subject: Metal verses composite props
From: Rotary Engine
Date: 9/29/2005, 6:34 AM
To: AA-me



Correct me if I am wrong but with Butch's LAEV prop the motor uses juice
only when the position is changed right?  I am interested in the new
AeroComposites' C/S prop.  Pricey but light and extremely well made.  They
only make electric drives for their military contracts unfortunately. I
would have to modify  their hub to adapt a electric motor and worm drive
gear.

Doug in Japan

The big advantage to the metal CS prop is the high efficiency. I have
yet to see a composite prop equal it.

Paul Lamar


RE> You should look at the whirlwind props.
RE> http://www.whirlwindpropellers.com/
RE> Marc Wiese

RE> Some of the guys racing tried them. Still not as good as metal.
RE> Hard to beat the big bucks that Hartzel and McCauley put into R & D.
RE> It would be best if some of the carbon fiber guys
RE> copied exactly the the metal prop plan form, airfoil and twist.

RE> Paul Lamar

 What have you-all heard about the AeroComposite Props?  See:

   http://www.aerocomposites.com

 They claim significant anecdotal improvements over standard metal
 props across the board.

-- 
Best regards,
Steve Thomas                 mailto:steve@stevet.net

SteveT.Net
805-569-0336 office & fax


# RV-8 takes second place in Sun 'N Fun Air Race (IO-360, 220 hp, Sam James Cowl, 220 mph speed) with a 2-bladed constant speed AeroComposites propeller!

# Lancair IVP takes first place in Air Venture Oshkosh race.  Kitty Hawk to Dayton with max TAS of 360 mph @ 22,000 ft..  Average ground speed was 298 mph (flying west, includes the time for climb to altitude).

First time I have heard decent  race results.
I will have to take a closer look at one when I get to Sun  & Fun this year.

Tracy Crook went 217 MPH with a fixed pitch wood prop in the Sun 100
in his RV4. Of course an RV8 is bigger. Tracy Saylor has gone 238 MPH
in the Sun 100 with a metal constant speed prop in his O-360 powered RV6.

I am not that impressed yet. :)

Paul Lamar

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