Ask an Explainer
Q:
How big does a propeller need to be compared to the mass of the plane in order to still fly?
A:
The relationship between the size of the propeller and the mass of the plane is actually very complicated. The size of the propeller doesn’t only depend on the mass. It also depends on the efficiency of the wings, the power of the engine, the number of blades on the propeller, and many other factors. Because there are so many things to think about, there actually isn’t a set relationship. Bigger planes tend to have bigger propellers because they need more thrust to help generate lift.

Posted on February 3, 2016 at 9:31 pm
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