Why would you choose to use forward props vs rear props vs jets on a small aircraft? What are their respective benefits?

Question

Why would you choose to use forward props vs rear props vs jets on a small aircraft? What are their respective benefits?

In: 6

Answer 1

You can have either two types of props: pull props or push props. Pull props go in front, and “pull” the craft forward, push props go in the rear and “push” the craft forward.

Push props are good because they don’t get in the way of cameras or missiles. But ALSO, they decrease drag on the craft and increase efficiency. They do this by “eating” some of the turbulent air after it passes over the craft.

Since UAVs often spend a lot of time in the air “loitering”, this lets them stay up even longer! Drones like the predator are cheap and expendable, so we value efficiency over raw performance (dodging anti air missiles or fighters) so they get the push props.

Future UAVs that are more like fighters will not use props at all.