"George" Kawanishi N1K

[sksvlad]

My question is about Kawanishi "George" fighter plane. It has a 4 blade propeller. I was told that American IIWW fighter planes had 3 blades, and if one sees a 4 blade version, it is a post IIWW make. But it appears that Japanese have had a 4 blade version during IIWW. It is easy to see, even for me, that a 4 blade version would have more forward power. How come Allies did not copy 4 blades? Or am I totally off on my info?

 

[reccetrooper]

Your info is off. There were four blade props used on planes during WW2 (and before, even in WW1). Do a google search around WW2 aircraft and you will find suitable images.

I’m not an aircraft enthusiast but Typhoon and Hurricane come to mind, and this photo from wikipedia is a US P51 Mustang in Italy, 1944.

Incidentally a two blade is more efficient, but the diameter required relevant to engine power is too long for ground clearance, so multiple blade designs using shorter blades are used. There is discussion on various aircraft forums about blade numbers. A google search will bring these up.

 

[kahu1]

Not on the Hurricane, either 2 blade (early) or later 3 blade. UK Typhoon/Tempest family

US fighters, P-47 thunderbolt, P-51 Mustang,..fighter bombers like the (admittedly twin engine) P-61 Blackwidow, dive bombers SBD2C Helldiver, etc

 

[reccetrooper]

Not on the Hurricane, either 2 blade (early) or later 3 blade. UK Typhoon/Tempest family

US fighters, P-47 thunderbolt, P-51 Mustang,..fighter bombers like the (admittedly twin engine) P-61 Blackwidow, dive bombers SBD2C Helldiver, etc

Hurricane Mk V. Same four blade propeller as fitted on the Spitfire IX.

 

[kahu1]

Noted, though that 4 blade Hurricane would have only been an experimental fitting, not in service/operational.

 

[sksvlad]

If less blades is more efficient, how come Hawkeye E-2 has 8 blades?

 

[reccetrooper]

If less blades is more efficient, how come Hawkeye E-2 has 8 blades?

Read the efficiency paragraph on this link https://hartzellprop.com/are-more-propeller-blades-better/

The possible maximum length of a two blade prop is restricted by the clearance height from the ground, that is the reason given on most forum discussions as the reason for adding extra blades.