Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: oakranger on June 30, 2009, 09:43:34 PM

Title: Which is better?
Post by: oakranger on June 30, 2009, 09:43:34 PM

Lets say we take two B-17's, but one is modified that the props are behind the wings and facing the opposite to push the A/C.  If these two where flying at the same alt, which one would go faster and consumed less fuel?

Title: Re: Which is better?
Post by: mechanic on June 30, 2009, 09:51:51 PM

no idea.

my first thought is that pusher props would have to contend with the air flow disruption of the wing. Also they put them on the front for a reason so...I going to say the standard B17 will be more fuel efficient.

Title: Re: Which is better?
Post by: Strip on June 30, 2009, 10:00:20 PM

Never mind that an air cooled radial mounted in the rear would be a nightmare to cool...

Title: Re: Which is better?
Post by: Shuffler on July 01, 2009, 12:09:48 PM

I believe in the front would be more efficient for the reason posted above. To cool the engines pushing would require more ducting and probably more weight.

The OP was probably thinking about the prop wash over the wings contributing to more drag. Makes since thinking about it but.... does it offset weight and drag otherwise.

A post to make you go Hmmmmm.  :aok

Title: Re: Which is better?
Post by: oakranger on July 01, 2009, 12:16:25 PM

Quote from: Shuffler on July 01, 2009, 12:09:48 PM

I believe in the front would be more efficient for the reason posted above. To cool the engines pushing would require more ducting and probably more weight.

The OP was probably thinking about the prop wash over the wings contributing to more drag. Makes since thinking about it but.... does it offset weight and drag otherwise.

A post to make you go Hmmmmm.  :aok

Yea, i though about this when "Strategic Air Command " with James Steward was on.  And observing the B-36 on how the props where facing the opposite way.  Wonder if they was more efficient or not.

Title: Re: Which is better?
Post by: bcadoo on July 02, 2009, 01:07:32 AM

If its designed properly you don't take the hit.  (helps if you're using turboprops)

(http://www.aerospace-technology.com/projects/piaggio/images/1-private-jet.jpg)

Title: Re: Which is better?
Post by: Die Hard on July 02, 2009, 06:49:51 AM

The prop wash create a lot of turbulent airflow which increases drag over any surface (wings in this case), so a push-prop is more aerodynamically efficient. However, with air cooled radial engines the installation may prove difficult, but not impossible. The B-36 bomber had six Pratt & Whitney R-4360-53 Wasp Major radials.


(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1b/NB-36H_producing_contrails_in_flight.jpg)

Title: Re: Which is better?
Post by: mechanic on July 02, 2009, 08:06:39 PM

and a nuclear warheaad onboard by the look of it..  :O

Title: Re: Which is better?
Post by: AWwrgwy on July 02, 2009, 08:41:52 PM

Quote from: mechanic on July 02, 2009, 08:06:39 PM

and a nuclear warheaad onboard by the look of it..  :O

It doesn't have the "Krusty Glow" about it....


wrongway

Title: Re: Which is better?
Post by: oakranger on July 02, 2009, 09:41:22 PM

Quote from: mechanic on July 02, 2009, 08:06:39 PM

and a nuclear warheaad onboard by the look of it..  :O

SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH....... We dont want to Commies know about it.     :noid

Title: Re: Which is better?
Post by: bigsky on July 03, 2009, 02:27:40 PM

To crush your enemies, see them driven before you... and to hear the lamentation of their women!

Title: Re: Which is better?
Post by: crazyivan on July 03, 2009, 05:00:32 PM

Quote from: oakranger on July 02, 2009, 09:41:22 PM

SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH....... We dont want to Commies know about it.     :noid

too late spotted you with my trusty telescope!

SHAMPOO IS BETTER!