snips...

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

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

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

Paul Lamar

Paul


Here is a response I got from one of the people at AeroComposites today.

Doug:
Thanks for your email.  The aerodynamic efficiency has nothing to do with
the blade material (composite, metal, wood).  What is important is the
aerodynamic shape where with our extremely strong blades we can be thinner
(less drag, more efficient).  Our customers consistently tell us that our
propellers out perform Hartzell aluminum propellers and MT wood propellers
(always).  I wouldn't recommend your trying to build your own pitch change
mechanism and adapting it to someones hub.
Thanks for your interest,
Harry

Nonsense :) Structure and supersonic (tips) aerodynamics are interconnected
at the neck.

Paul Lamar