Simviation Forum - Contra Rotating Props

Jun 1^st, 2005 at 8:50pm

Jakemaster Ex Member

Okay, since I am an aerospace engineer to be, I know what they are. On helicopters, they eliminate torque effects without the need of a tail rotor. But when used on conventional aircraft, do they serve the same torque effect reduction?

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Reply #1 - Jun 1^st, 2005 at 9:38pm

Firebert Ex Member

I'd image they do.
The helicopter design probably adopted the idea from conventional aircraft.

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Reply #2 - Jun 1^st, 2005 at 10:40pm

Felix/FFDS Offline
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Quote:

Okay, since I am an aerospace engineer to be, I know what they are. On helicopters, they eliminate torque effects without the need of a tail rotor. But when used on conventional aircraft, do they serve the same torque effect reduction?

'

Yes. For example, in the last marks of Ozzyplanes the engines were too powerful for what was basically a 1930's airframe, so the Griffons were equipped with contra-rotating props to counter the torque. Notably the last of the Seafires were so standardised.

The Fairey GAnnet antisub plane was an interesting variation on the theme. It had contra rotating props, but it's power plant was the Double Mamba - essentially two Mamba turboprops geared to drive two props. One engine could be stopped in flight, with its corresponding prop to extend cruising range/time etc.

Felix/FFDS

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Reply #3 - Jun 1^st, 2005 at 10:55pm

Jakemaster Ex Member

Thank you very much for the info. I really wasn't sure about it. I had wondered for a while if it was the same, but until now, I ignored it and thought it makes the plane look cool.

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Reply #4 - Jun 2^nd, 2005 at 5:20am

C Offline
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Shacketon was another famous user of the contra rotating prop...

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Reply #5 - Jun 2^nd, 2005 at 6:20am

Hagar Offline
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Quote:

The Fairey GAnnet antisub plane was an interesting variation on the theme. It had contra rotating props, but it's power plant was the Double Mamba - essentially two Mamba turboprops geared to drive two props. One engine could be stopped in flight, with its corresponding prop to extend cruising range/time etc.

Interesting point Felix. I've seen conflicting reports on this. The Double Mamba was basically two single Mamba engines connected by a common gearbox & driving a conventional contra-rotating prop. I had the idea that either unit could be shut down for economy but would continue driving both props.* Not sure if this is correct. I also seem to remember seeing a Gannet flying on one prop with the other one feathered. I'll have to check this out when I next visit the Midland Air Museum at Coventry.

*This sounds complicated but I believe the same system is used on twin-engined twin-rotored helicopters like the Chinook where both rotors are obviously necessary if one engine fails.

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Reply #6 - Jun 9^th, 2005 at 3:40am

Skligmund Offline
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Piper did it once to a PA-22 Tri-Pacer. They installed two engines on the front, and spun two props opposite directions. I have a picture here somewhere....

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Reply #7 - Jun 9^th, 2005 at 11:31am

Ivan Offline
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Shacketon was another famous user of the contra rotating prop...

Don't forget the An-22, An-70 and the TU-95 in all variants...

contra rotating props is a good way to get all the power out of the engine whitout having to use a huge prop

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