Why Some Countries Still Use Propeller Planes: Advantages and Practicality

Welcome to an in-depth exploration of why propeller planes persist in certain aviation sectors despite the advancements in jet technology. This article delves into the practicalities and advantages of propeller planes over their jet counterparts, focusing on efficiency, cost, and specific applications.

Piston and Jet Engines: An Overview

While high-performance jet engines have taken the spotlight in modern aviation, piston engines continue to play a crucial role, especially for smaller and slower aircraft. Jet engines, though powerful, are complex and reach their peak efficiency at lower speeds compared to piston engines, making them less suitable for basic transportation needs.

Contrasting Fixed-Wing Airplanes

The hierarchy of fixed-wing airplanes can be summarized as follows:

For small-scale, slower airplanes: Single or twin-engine planes with capacities under 10 passengers, or drones of similar size, make use of piston and electric propellers. These are ideal for initial pilot training, ranging from small drones mimicking RC airplanes to early aviation education for pilots. Larger passenger aircraft (up to 70-100 passengers): Typically feature twin-engine turboprops or jet engines driving propellers. These are more cost-effective and reliable for middle-range air travel. Very large passenger aircraft (over 100 passengers): Generally use turbofans, with exceptions like the retired 747 and A380.

Military Aviation Applications

In the realm of military airplanes, performance metrics often take precedence, sometimes overriding traditional size guidelines. Single-engine turboprops, like those used in the Super Tucano, are common for counter-insurgency missions. Meanwhile, piston engines are often utilized for military drones, such as the Predator, due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Even powerful piston engines, like those used in the Shahed kamikaze drone, operate at quieter, lighter levels than electric engines, but with limited range.

Turboprops, due to their higher operating costs for one-use weapons, and electric engines, despite being quieter and lighter, struggle to offer the necessary range for combat drones. Therefore, they are better suited for drones with other requirements, like the Harrier and F-35, where direct lift or lift fan technology is essential for fighter jet operations.

Larger Airframes and More Efficient Hovers

For rotary-wing or VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aircraft, the size of the rotor affects hovering efficiency significantly. The discourse around disk loading—a measure of weight to rotor area—in aviation emphasizes that smaller disk loading correlates with larger rotors. This is why direct lift or lift fan technology is often employed in innovative designs like the flying cars (eVTOL), such as Joby's, which operate primarily in multirotor helicopter mode during hover phases.

Conclusion

While modern aviation has seen tremendous advancements with jet planes, propeller planes remain indispensable in various applications. From initial training and small-scale commercial flights to military drones and innovative VTOL designs, propeller planes continue to offer advantages in terms of efficiency, cost, and practicality. Understanding these nuances is crucial for both aviation enthusiasts and industry professionals.