Is a pusher propeller better?

Pusher aircraft with propellers mounted behind the wing generally see fewer blanking effects than those with propellers installed behind a bulky fuselage such as the Cessna 337. Propellers are most efficient when they ingest smooth, constant velocity airflow at an appropriate airspeed.

What is a pusher plane?

A pusher aircraft is a type of aircraft using propellers placed behind the engines. Some aircraft have a Push-pull configuration with both tractor and pusher engines. The list includes these even if the pusher engine is just added to a conventional layout (engines inside the wings or above the wing for example).

Why do propellers face forward?

So having the propeller in front, (specially with twins) even at zero speed, the air flow over the wings, provides significant lift, reducing the necessary take off speed, and the possible landing speed.

What is the difference between a pusher aircraft and a tractor aircraft?

Normally, there are two main types of propeller position; where the propeller is mounted at the wing leading edge and is known as a “tractor” and where the propeller is mounted at the wing tailing edge, which is known as a “pusher.” The wing aerodynamic characteristics of each are different and their force and moment …

What direction does a pusher prop spin?

Reverse also known as P-type or pusher, direction of rotation is established when a propeller is rotating clockwise (CW), as seen by an outside observer standing in front of the propeller and looking at it.

Should I choose a pusher or puller configuration for my aircraft?

Propeller driven aircraft require designers to choose early in the design process to use a pusher configuration or a puller configuration. Each layout has its advantages and disadvantages and as with all design choices selecting one or the other is dependent on the underlying design goals.

What are the disadvantages of a pusher propeller?

More disadvantages are the pilot risking to hit the propeller in an emergency bail-out and increased stability of the aircraft. A pusher propeller influences stability much as an additional tail, but without control surfaces. Especially for a fighter aircraft, this is the opposite of what you want.

Why do aircraft designers use pusher engines?

Aircraft designers consider safety effects of design choices, and engine position is no different. Examining several examples of pusher configured aircraft, a theme emerges: canards and flying wings. The pusher engine location on these aircraft preserves weight and balance considerations and avoids propeller positions near passenger compartments.

Are there any modern pusher planes that are successful?

There are still a few successful pusher aircraft, even a few being built today. The Piaggio Avanti is quite successful and very fast, high cruise is about 400 knots, and there is the above mentioned CBA-123 in development now. Like all engineering design, pusher aircraft are a compromise.