B29 question

[peter]

This has been bugging me for awhile. What was the reason and or benefits of two different types of props on the B29?

[b29flteng]

The original props were Hamilton Standard constant speed, full feathering props. The later version were Curtiss Electric, constant speed, reversable, full feathering props. The later version allowed the aircraft to stop in a much shorter distance on landing. The "Silverplate" aircraft had the Curtiss Electric props and the B-29Bs had them also. The Curtiss Electric were also more of a paddle type blade that allowed the aircraft to operate at a higher altitude, I think.

[peter]

I always wondered about the paddle bladed type props. Somehow the looked a bit odd with the clean lines of the B29