Mailing List flyrotary@lancaironline.net Message #7080
From: Russell Duffy <13brv3@bellsouth.net>
Subject: RE: [FlyRotary] Re: Help Rusty pick a prop
Date: Wed, 7 Apr 2004 20:46:56 -0500
To: 'Rotary motors in aircraft' <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
Message
I agree that with the pusher, the air is blocked from the center portion of the prop, so the IVO really doesn't hinder top end speed. It may on the RV.  
 
The IVO Magnum comes with 2 different ranges on the pitch.  I have the high pitch blades which is what they recommend for my plane.  I believe that the pitch range goes from something like 40-45" on the low end, up to something like 105" on the high end of the pitch range.
 
Steve 
 
Hi Steve,
 
I called IVO, and of course they've never heard of such a thing as their props causing drag at high speeds.   Imagine that.  Tracy probably just made that up :-)  Anyway, they didn't really inspire me with confidence that they knew much about props.  Mostly, they work from numbers that they have archived, and give recommendations based on those.  Their best recommendation was for a 3 blade, 68" Magnum, standard pitch prop.  Since I'm planning to run it to 3200+ rpm, they said I don't need the high pitch range.  
 
I took a closer look at my Warp Drive prop (3 blade, 68") today, and find that the hub area should create far less drag than a typical IVO.  Since IVO didn't have any significantly different recommendation from what I already have, I'll probably continue working with the Warp to see what I can get.  In fact, I took 3 degrees out of the pitch today, to get the RPM up. 
 
After thinking more about it, I really can't make any final decisions until I get the wheel pants and gear fairings on.  I may also need to close up the rear of the cowl cheeks, though that might have to wait until I can do some testing in 90-100 degree temps to make sure the lower opening is adequate.  I will also need to send the Warp blades back, so they can taper them.  Only then will I know how they work when they're optimized. 
 
Cheers,
Rusty  (I need more RPM Scotty)
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