ENGINE AND PROPELLER DESIGNS fortunately have come a long way since the first flight of the Republic XF-84H "Thunderscreech," an experimental turboprop version of the US Navy's F-84F Thunderstreak jet fighter. Its Allison XT-40-A-1 turbine engine drove three square-tipped blades turning at 3,000 rpm with the tips traveling at Mach 1.18, and the sound could be heard 25 mi. away. The torque from the propeller was so great that it destabilized the aircraft and one test pilot ...

Subscribe to Access this Entire Article


Already registered? here.