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Thanks for watching and your comments. Many of the German pilot accounts from WWII note the limitation/concern for over-speeding in dives during combat. The Curtiss Electric hollow bore prop (P-39) also used the VDM-type gear train but with a hub mounted, hollow-armature motor. Interestingly, this gear system was patented by engineer/pilot Robert Stanley in 1935 (US1986229).Thanks for your descriptive video Tom! The Ratier electric hollow shaft prop is ingenious, but it is very complex and with a high parts count. I notice that there is basic similarity in the electrical switching and functionality of the VDM hollow shaft electric propeller, but the VDM electric drive and pitch change mechanical system is very much less complicated.
The VDM electric version with 1.5 deg/sec blade pitch change was noted as a relatively slow pitch change rate. However, modern experience with this system in the Bf 109 versions that have the automatik pitch change function working shows that the VDM system is responsive and accurate in control during all flight and aerobatics. The only caution in the original Bf 109 flight manual with the automatik system is that pilots should be careful of rpm control if entering a full power dive from a low-power cruise.
Thanks again for your presentation.
Eng
Oh, OK, thank you.Hi Larry,
I suspect that your Ratier hub probably came on an ex-German operated but captured French-built equipment such as a Dewoitine D.520, or other.
I am certain that no German WW2 Bf 109 variant ever had a Ratier propeller.
Cheers
Eng
Would it have fitted on a 109? I mean just as a hub. Without any linkage to war time 109?Hi Larry,
I suspect that your Ratier hub probably came on an ex-German operated but captured French-built equipment such as a Dewoitine D.520, or other.
I am certain that no German WW2 Bf 109 variant ever had a Ratier propeller.
Cheers
Eng
Would it have fitted on a 109? I mean just as a hub. Without any linkage to war time 109?
Just to have a working prop.
I agree. Especially dual rotation constant speed propellers. But the Type Testing usually reveals the worst demons before they are allowed to enter service.It's amazing how all these precision machined components and assemblies, connected and spinning in different axises, within extremely tight dimensions, don't just blow the f#@+ up. At least, not all the time.