Originally Posted by
eddieC
Posts #11, 12 & 19 are the best so far.
Fewer blades = more efficiency is not a myth, but advances in prop engineering, better use of fluid dynamics (no doubt largely from computer-aided design), and better materials has helped multi-blade props. Look at the ATR airliners, the Saab 2000 and the latest iteration of C-130 props that all prove 'more is better'. The scimitar-style props lead the way on all those models.
Even the Cessna 421 piston twin and King Air turboprop have 5-blade aftermarket props available.
Again, full scale and our models are apples and oranges. Really do not belong in the same conversation. Our models are running certain engines, with specific power abilities. Also, there are very few choices of props for our models. Unlike full scale, where they can specifically design a prop around a specific engines abilities and needs.
So maybe full scale engineers have studied and researched extensively enough to create a better multi blade prop for a specific engine (turbo prop), while the model airplane industry does not benefit from such a large research budget.