Prop
 

C/S use is not a big deal. Look at all the extra knobs and switches people add to their airplanes with the EFIS systems they install.

C/S or F/P
 

Manual verses automatic isn't an accurate comparison. A far more accurate comparison would be a high tech constant velocity, infinitely adjustable automatic transmission verses a manual trans that is stuck in one gear for life. Allan :rolleyes:

I've heard this ONE too many times!
 

Comparing a fixed pitch prop to a manual transmission stuck in one gear is also not an accurate comparison.
If that were "apples-to-apples", there would be many cars running around with a "one-gear" transmission. Only place I've seen this is on the drag-strip.
There are MANY airplanes flying just fine with F/P props.
When is the last time you saw a car on the road with a one-gear transmission?

Does this count?
 

It has a fixed pitch prop.

aerocar
 

Yes it does. And it's neither a good car or a good airplane.

DO YOUR RESEARCH GUYS!
 

This car did NOT drive on the road with a single speed transmission!

No, but it drove on the road with a fixed-pitch prop. I thought these were one in the same.

It had a 3-speed on the floor for driving the wheels. That's just like having a constant speed prop. ;)

Car Transmission analogy.
 

Mel is correct. The car trans analogy is flawed in showing a comparison between a F/P vs. C/S.

Fixed pitch: $ lower entry price; low maintenance; no mechanical rebuild needed; lighter weight; no loss in top speed.

Constant speed prop does have the advantage of helping to move the CG forward for a more usable useful load, depending on mission. Also C/S has the advantages of a climb prop at slower airspeeds, therefore allowing shorter takeoffs and climb capability.

Air is a Compressible Fluid
 

You guys are off in Never-Never Land.

There's LOTS of difference between turning a propeller (either CS or FP) in a compressible fluid and driving a tire on a paved road.
(Different way of saying that Mel is right again.)

Reminds me of a debate by a buddy who challenged a so-called expert on model airplane propellers after the "s-c e" wrote an article in the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) magazine.

Put your thinking caps on. :)

Where I work, we're building a car with a single gear fixed transmission and no clutch.

The trick is to use an electric motor that produces 100% torque at 0 RPM:D:D