Propellers are an important model airplane part which adds the appearance to the model aircraft and actually has a large influence on the performance of the model airplane. This is especially the case for the hobbyist who is building a model aeroplane from scratch, or even the competitive flyer – the characteristics of propellers offer insight to improve the flying. This article aims at explaining the basics of model airplane propellers, major categories of such propellers and offering some guidelines on the selection of the appropriate propeller.
What Are Model Airplane Propellers?
A propeller of model airplanes is spinning blades that create a force that will push the model aircraft forward. They turn the rotational energy that the engine generates into the lift and thrust that is aerodynamic. The design, size, and the material of the propeller determine the model’s ability to fly, speed, sturdiness and maneuverability.
Types of Model Airplane Propellers
Fixed-Pitch Propellers
In the case of fixed–pitch propellers, the number of blades is not variable, and the blades are set at a single pitch angle. They are basic and inexpensive and therefore ideal for the new to the business of forex trade. There are mainly two types of propellers, the flap-type and fixed pitch, and the flap has this versatility of being adjusted in pitch while the fixed pitch is good for models that should not be changed in pitch.
Variable-Pitch Propellers
Fixed pitch propellers cannot be adjusted while variable pitch propellers can be adjusted regarding the blade angle. This adjustability makes it easier to exercise more control for the model, for example optimizing the take-off, climbing or cruising velocity. The more complex and are normally used in the advanced or high performance models.
Two-Blade Propellers
The most conventional propellers are the two-blade ones although they can be implemented in a broad range of model airplanes. It is relatively simple yet has quite reasonable performance. Two bladed designs are best suited for normal flying and type is pretty common in many scale models.
Three-Blade Propellers
The other types are the three-blade propellers that are more forceful than the two blade and are less noisier when in motion. They are common in models where more performance is needed, or where the aesthetics of the model is important. Three-blade propellers can also be useful in any efforts to reduce vibration leading to enhanced flight stability.
Four-Blade Propellers
Four-blade propellers, as it has already been mentioned, are rarer, yet they also may have their own benefits including such a feature as enhanced thrust and the outer appearance of the propeller. They are mainly applied in performance or scale models where both performance and show factor are of significance.
Materials Used in Propellers
Plastic Propellers
Plastic ones are cheap and can be seen in most entry, beginner models. They are portable and come in different sizes and model. Although not as rigid as wooden or metallic propellers but the plastics are ideal for recreational flying and training.
Wooden Propellers
Wooden ones are preferred for their looks and are usually applied in a toy model of a ship or a boat. They offer the oldest appearance and are usually not very heavy. Also wooden propellers can be slightly more of high maintenance than plastic or composite type of propellers.
Composite Propellers
The composite propellers are made from joined materials such as carbon fiber and fiberglass. They are endowed with higher strength, durability and performance compared to those of standard quality. A composite propeller is best recommended for models and powered aerobatic flights.
Choosing the Right Propeller
Size and Pitch
As with any model helicopter, the behaviour of the model helicopter is influenced by the size and pitch of the propeller. Bigger propellers develop more force with the water and thus create the needed thrust while small ones are more eases to maneuver. Pitch is actually the actual angle of the blades and determines how much air an actual propeller will be moving. A structure of higher pitch achieves more speed but perhaps at the expense of take off power.
Compatibility
Make sure the propeller is suitable for the engine or the motor of your selected RC model. Find out what the manufacturer has to say about the propellers and the power output and design of your model before making the selection.
Balancing
Bearing often relied on for a smooth running, and to avoid any form of vibration which are bad for the components. Raked propellers have been found to cause poor or in-efficient operations and may even reduced the working life of the model. Most enthusiasts balance their propellers with balancing equipment or send them out to be balanced.
Maintaining Model Airplane Propellers
Regular Inspections
Any of the propellers used should be inspected from time to time for any signs of crack or warping. In the event that the propellers have been damaged in one way or the other, make sure to replace them so as not to affect the performance of flight and safety too.
Cleaning
Manage to keep propellers clean so that the engines will be able to smoothly turn the propellers as they are supposed to. Cleaning of the surface should be done gently using a soft cloth with a cleaning solution that is not very strong. Do no use rough materials that may harm the surface of the article.
Storage
Propellers shall be stored at a cool dry place so that they do not get deformed, they may even rot. Do not leave them in cold and hot environments or in the direct sunlight because it will change their form and efficiency.
Propellers needed for model airplanes are important components as far as functionality and looks of the model aircraft are concerned. Knowing the various kinds, types of materials as well as the factors to consider, will enable one to arrive at the appropriate kind of propeller to use on the specific model in question. Irrespective of the level of the hobbyist ,it is always appropriate to select the right propeller and accord it the best maintenance to have the best performance of the model.
