After reading the article on Craig Catto in the August Kitplanes, I contacted him out of curiosity to ask if he saw any potential to improve on the performance of the ground adjustable Sensenich, suggesting a prop optimised for efficient cruise but maybe with improved climb performance. He responded as follows:
Hello Rob,
I am sure that a propeller of proper blade area, diameter and pitch would make a difference in overall performance. You would see an improvement in takeoff/climb especially is (as?) there is not enough blade area on the Sensenich, ie, they would be absorbing or controlling the rpm basically by increasing the pitch, or increasing drag, when in reality you should be increasing blade area, this is when you would see an improvement in your takeoff and climb performance without any affect in your cruise.
If I could find someone local to me to work with, I would be happy to develop a blade design specific to the RV-12.
Regards,
Craig Catto
Would anybody closer like to take up his offer?
Hello Rob,
I am sure that a propeller of proper blade area, diameter and pitch would make a difference in overall performance. You would see an improvement in takeoff/climb especially is (as?) there is not enough blade area on the Sensenich, ie, they would be absorbing or controlling the rpm basically by increasing the pitch, or increasing drag, when in reality you should be increasing blade area, this is when you would see an improvement in your takeoff and climb performance without any affect in your cruise.
If I could find someone local to me to work with, I would be happy to develop a blade design specific to the RV-12.
Regards,
Craig Catto
Would anybody closer like to take up his offer?