The Design and Selection of Optimum Propellers for General Aviation Aircraft

Using the latest available methods and data for designing propeller blades and determining performance, a study of the general aviation propellers installations is given. In this study four general aviation aircraft are considered covering the range of speed and power encountered in this field. Propellers typical of those currently being used are considered and their performance is calculated and compared with the ideal to find the efficiency improvements that might be possible.

A study for the aircraft considered showed that new propellers can be designed that will have improved performance that approaches that of the ideal or optimum. The use of the new computer generated airfoils was also considered in the design of new propellers with promising results.