GR-1A - Single blade propeller - Micro autogyro
1,189 views · Published 1 January 2016 · 2:36 · Indexed 29 October 2026
Channel: RCmags · 2016 · Entertainment
This is my GR-1A fitted with a direct drive, single blade propeller. Beforehand the model was fitted with a two blade propeller. While this provided ample thrust and a great rate of climb, the motor was overloaded and drew far too much current, resulting in high motor temperature and short flight times. To alleviate this, I removed one blade from the propeller and replaced it with a wound copper counterweight. This had three beneficial effects: - The single blade allowed the motor to spin faster, reducing current draw. - The increased propeller rpm resulted in reduced fuselage reaction torque. (This is of great importance) - The single blade created a lower frequency, slightly quieter sound. While the single blade produced less thrust when spun at the same speed as a two blades, the reduced drag coupled with the increase in motor rpm tended to counter this thrust reduction by an airspeed increase. As a result close to the same amount of static thrust was produced with both propellers. Performance wise, I could tell no drawbacks to using a single blade prop. Overall this change was well worth the effort. Music is: FFX OST - Besaid island
