Propellers and faux rotaries

[Joe Perkel]

I've been mulling over several nagging questions that I can't find quick answers to either in this forum or on the net, but relates to engine options. We see a number of Tri-planes with faux rotaries (fixed faux cylinders) hung under flat-opposed Lycomings.

1) Considering the RPM range of these engines it never occurred to me to determine what props are being used?

2) Considering also that epoxy coatings for metal props are common, does someone manufacture an acceptable faux wood finish option?

[Eric Husher]

.... But why not a wood prop sheathed in fiberglass?

[US95Damiani]

Originally Posted by Joe Perkel

I've been mulling over several nagging questions that I can't find quick answers to either in this forum or on the net, but relates to engine options. We see a number of Tri-planes with faux rotaries (fixed faux cylinders) hung under flat-opposed Lycomings.

1) Considering the RPM range of these engines it never occurred to me to determine what props are being used?

2) Considering also that epoxy coatings for metal props are common, does someone manufacture an acceptable faux wood finish option?

Joe,

Talk to Sensenich propellers in Florida, They built a special prop for a friend of mine that is 80" in Diameter Pitched to allow our Pup or a Thommy Morse to cruise at 97 MPH or so while letting the O-320 we're using to turn up the correct RPMs (2700 RPM at Full Throttle in level flight or 2150-2350 Static)

[Major Larabee]

The Triplane here has an IO 320 with a false rotary and the prop was specially made for it by Newton Propellers in the UK. Its 84" in diameter and 54" in Pitch. This gives us a good performance with a 90 mph cruise at 2300/2400.

[US95Damiani]

Originally Posted by Major Larabee

The Triplane here has an IO 320 with a false rotary and the prop was specially made for it by Newton Propellers in the UK. Its 84" in diameter and 54" in Pitch. This gives us a good performance with a 90 mph cruise at 2300/2400.

Sounds perfect,
What can the engine turn RPMwise?

[Joe Perkel]

Major Larabee and US95Damiani,

Thank you for the replies, question 1) is answered and making question 2) fairly moot in the process. Not being in a position to commit to a sale at this time, It didn't occur to me to simply ask the specialty prop manufacturers what is and is not possible.

This is strong evidence that a flat opposed 4cyl in the 160-180hp range the most accessible option for my application @ this time and for the foreseable future. Will proceed on this assumption for engine bay / cowl dimensions, and known weight considerations.

Thanks!

[Dogtail2]

Originally Posted by Major Larabee

The Triplane here has an IO 320 with a false rotary and the prop was specially made for it by Newton Propellers in the UK. Its 84" in diameter and 54" in Pitch. This gives us a good performance with a 90 mph cruise at 2300/2400.

Hi Mathew,

Are you sure about those numbers for the prop?
Newton told me a while ago that G-FOKK's was 80" X 48".

So I've gone for a 80" X 50" which ties in with the Sands drawing recommendation of:-

Max dia. 82"

Lyc 150-160hp 44" to 48" pitch
Lyc 180hp 48" to 52" pitch

Pete

[snj5]

Originally Posted by Dogtail2

Hi Mathew,

Are you sure about those numbers for the prop?
Newton told me a while ago that G-FOKK's was 80" X 48".

So I've gone for a 80" X 50" which ties in with the Sands drawing recommendation of:-

Max dia. 82"

Lyc 150-160hp 44" to 48" pitch
Lyc 180hp 48" to 52" pitch

Pete

These are great data points. For our 150 hp Rotec (cruise 2000 - 2200 rpm, max 2400) F.1, Culver made us a 90" x 48" prop.

[Major Larabee]

Now im not sure!!!! They were off the top of my head
I will go and check, after all i just fly the bluming thing!!!!!

[Major Larabee]

Correction, it is 80" x 48". I think paul wanted a bigger dia but Newton wouldnt do it, that will teach me to spout without checking!!

I think the BE2 prop is 84" so thats where it came from!!!

Any way it works really well and looks the part to