TESTING - 3 blade prop in RV-12 iS

[randylervold]

Originally Posted by Mich48041

There is an article about propellers in the January 2019 issue of Kitplanes. It says that for lower horsepower engines, a two blade propeller is more efficient. But a 3 blade propeller is quieter, has better climb performance at low airspeed, and has more ground clearance.

Isn't that true for any application? RV, Bonanza, Cessna, Cirrus, whatever.

[Piper J3]

I don't know about being more efficient - both less blades = less drag.

[AeroDog]

Originally Posted by redbaron

I have installed a 3 blade Whirlwind prop on my RV-12. They are a great company to work with. wwpc@.whirlwindpropellers.com

Performance numbers?

[HansLab]

Yes Red Baron, I've read about these props in Kitplanes Magazine, and am seriously in doubt to build one on my 12. Numbers would surely help!

[Crafting N112DR]

Looks like Vans is making it official.

If you?re at #OSH19 next week be sure to stop by the Van?s booth! Among the things we?ll have to show you will be this three-blade sensenichprop that will be available for the RV-12 and -12iS later this year!

[rcarsey]

Hope we get some official performance numbers to go along with it!

I think the general feeling (earlier in this very thread?) was that 3 blades is good for climb and 2 blades was good for cruise.

I suppose we can look at the demo airplane's trip (on an adsb website) to oshkosh to see how the speeds differed from last year's trip

[randylervold]

Originally Posted by rolick22

Looks like Vans is making it official.

If you?re at #OSH19 next week be sure to stop by the Van?s booth! Among the things we?ll have to show you will be this three-blade sensenichprop that will be available for the RV-12 and -12iS later this year!

I feel stupid, where'd you see the announcement? I can't find it. And we do need some real numbers in order to make an informed decision.

One deal killer for me with any 3-blade prop is that most of them need their own special shipping boxes and they can't be UPS'd, rather they must go by truck which is a hassle and $$$. I understand with prop though the blades easily detach making for a compact shipping box.

[rcarsey]

randy, i think this one is ground-adjustable, similar to what we have now.. but with a different hub and different blades (the width.. or i guess you'd call it the chord looks shorter).. so it should come in one long box just like our current props did.

The pre-announcement was on van's Instagram and Facebook pages..
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0HBSOgB...=1a16mp9cf8zg0

https://www.facebook.com/12182754122...ndex=0&sfns=mo

[Piper J3]

If anyone is contemplating a 3-blade prop upgrade... I might be interested in your used 2-blade set-up. Most interested in just buying a matched set of blades with no hub or hardware.

[Cammie Patch]

I don't like the math of a 3-bladed prop.
It increases my chances of hitting my head on it by 50%.