Grumman Albatross propeller Q

[famvburg]

Is the reason the Albatrosses' props have that big clunky hub because they are reversible? Thanks.

[John Dupre]

No. Hamilton Standard reversible props were no different on the outside than nonreversible ones. The difference was on the interior slotted cylinder which had longer more angled slots than the other versions. I think the clunkiness on the Albatross props is some kind of exterior cylindrical fairing mounted over the usual hub. I am not sure what it did but think it might have something to do with the engine. Some (maybe all?) Wright engines vented the crankcase through the propeller hub which had to have a hole through it. If oil was to come out of that vent maybe this cylindrical fairing was to capture it and prevent the propeller blades slinging all over the airframe? Maybe the cylindrical fairing somehow directed air towards the engine? Enquiring minds (at least two anyway) want to know.

[RNDMTRS4EVR]

If your your talking about the wrap around cuff on the prop dome, that is for cooling air, you'll notice that the hub has fins on it this was to help cool the prop dome as when you are taxing in the water you have to use the propellers to steer since the aircraft does not have a water rudder. So with using the propellers to steer the aircraft and not alot of airflow across the the dome, they would get rather warm, so they came up with this design to help. My father used to fly on HU-16's in the Coast Guard before moving to helicopters.

Scott.....

[Jack Cook]

My cousin Bob Metty designed those props while working for HS ie United Aircraft.
He also designed a number of other props inc the F2G Super Corsairs.
He was the guest of honor when the Coasties retired their last Albatross.

[RNDMTRS4EVR]

That is really cool.