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Thread: Can you explain reduction drives to me?

  1. #1
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    Can you explain reduction drives to me?

    Guys,
    As I am shopping for an UL and I am seeing many direct-drive and reduction-drive choices.
    I'm hearing about B-Boxes - C-Boxes, etc.

    If it's not too much trouble can someone give me the skinny on all this, and why I might
    want or not want these features?

    I'm just a Cessna guy here and trying to learn all I can before I choose a plane.
    Thanks
    John - Columbus Ohio

  2. #2

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    many non-aviation engines develop their power at an RPM which is too fast for a propeller to operate efficiently. That is especially true with two-stroke engines. There needs to be a way to turn the engine fast but propeller slow. That's where a reduction drive comes in. If you have a fast turning engine and need a large(r) dia prop, there will have to be a propeller speed reduction unit or PSRU in there.
    Yes, they come in a lot of flavors, gears, belts, etc.

  3. #3
    Norman Langlois's Avatar
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    They are also designed to load the engine properly with a given prop. Improper engine loads are a concern for sudden engine failure. Just buying an engine with a redrive not knowing ,what the range of prop size and pitch. Be aware of these and ask for specs.

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    Quote Originally Posted by martymayes View Post
    many non-aviation engines develop their power at an RPM which is too fast for a propeller to operate efficiently. That is especially true with two-stroke engines. .
    This is very helpful.
    So am I to understand that on the planes I see on youtube with direct-drive engines the prop needs to be smaller?
    And if you go for a larger prop to gain more thrust you need to slow it down with gear reduction?
    Thanks
    JB

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Norman Langlois View Post
    They are also designed to load the engine properly with a given prop. Improper engine loads are a concern for sudden engine failure. Just buying an engine with a redrive not knowing ,what the range of prop size and pitch. Be aware of these and ask for specs.
    Thank you,
    This seems like a very important consideration as the wrong prop could put too much load on the engine and could result in damage or failure.
    Is that right?
    JB

  6. #6
    Norman Langlois's Avatar
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    Yes a combination that over revs is as bad as one that is over loaded. The engines that are being used have been by trial I assume . Have an optimized rpm with load . In order to maintain cylinder head temp. Know as cht. And exhaust temps known as egt . Both important for the overal longevity of these mostly 2 Stroke engines. A direct drive such as the half VW has a prop size more relevant to the tip speed. Typically most operations target around 2600 to 3000 rpms at the output 2 stroke engines optimize power output near 6500 rpms but can not run at this continuously. This makes a reduction nessisary . One needs to take time to set up the carb ,the prop , the pitch to optimize and maintain there rpm and temps through a proper engine loading . All of this starting with recommended components ending with those all important temps and rpms. Operating outside of manufactures recommendations is risk .

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