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From the Suffolk Aero Modelers, Long Island, New York

Multiblade Propellers

originally from Hooked-on-rc-airplanes.com

Three-bladed model airplane propellers are less efficient than two-bladed propellers. In fact, the more blades that are added, the less efficient the propeller becomes. The only advantage of a multiblade propeller is a smaller diameter.

Multiblade propellers are used with full-scale airplanes when ground clearance is an issue. World War II fighter planes are a good example. For this reason, many pilots use multiblade propellers on their scale model airplanes to make it look more like the full-scale airplane.

Twin-engine airplanes often use multiblade propellers because the smaller diameter is needed for the propeller to clear the fuselage. This is true of full-scale airplanes and often the case with twin-engine model airplanes as well.

Evolution Engines offers a three-blade propeller to be used with a trainer. The inefficiency of the propeller “tames” the engine a bit for the beginner by allowing the airplane to fly slower while maintaining the thrust needed for easy takeoffs and climbs. The extra blade also helps to slow the airplane down when landing. After the beginner becomes comfortable flying the airplane, he or she can tap into the rest of the engine’s power by changing to a more efficient two-bladed propeller. Q

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