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APC propeller RPM limits

How fast can I spin an APC propeller? · Standard part · basis: Design rules and figures from the cited sources; example geometry by Xem Studio

Also called: apc rpm limit, propeller max rpm, apc prop rpm formula, slow flyer prop rpm, thin electric prop max rpm, multirotor prop rpm limit, prop rpm limit calculator, 150000 divided by diameter, prop tip speed limit

Exact dimensions. True size, with no printing tolerance added.

sizes
8 in table

Notes

  • APC publishes suggested maximum RPM as a constant divided by diameter in inches, so bigger props have lower limits (APC RPM Limits).
  • Glow/sport props: 190,000/D; thin electric: 150,000/D; folding: 120,000/D; multirotor: 105,000/D; slow flyer: 65,000/D. A 10x6 glow prop should stay under 19,000 rpm (APC).
  • Electric-only props lack the strength for glow engines' firing pulses, though glow props can be used on electric motors (Model Aviation, APC Q&A).
  • The file is a reference example built by Xem Studio from the numbers above. Sizes the sources do not fix are illustrative; scale the example to your own vehicle.

APC propeller RPM limits size chart

parametervalue or rangesource
Glow / Sport / Pattern / Speed 400 (E)190,000 / DAPC
Thin Electric (E), Polycarbonate FPV150,000 / DAPC
Folding Electric (F)120,000 / DAPC
Multi-Rotor (MR, MRF)105,000 / DAPC
Slow Flyer (SF)65,000 / DAPC
Racing / carbon, IC225,000 / DAPC
Racing / pylon on electric270,000 / DAPC
Example10x6 glow -> 19,000 rpmAPC

Where the files are

Other publishers' files are linked, not hosted. "verify" = check the license at the link before commercial use.

APC PropellersRPM LimitswebPublisher's page; dimensions are facts
Model Aviation (AMA), J. Smith with APC PropellersCommon Questions with APC Propellers (Mar 2021)webPublisher's page; dimensions are facts

Free files

★ Free files 1 parts. Xem Studio design: free to use, print and sell things from; not to be republished as files. Xem Studio Design License. index.json

apc-propeller-rpm-limits-propeller10×6 in propeller, 2 blades: each section set at the geometric pitch angle atan(P / 2πr); chord and section illustrativeSTEP · STL
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Plain text: sheet.txt · JSON: /api/geometry?object=apc-propeller-rpm-limits

APC propeller RPM limits, isometric render of a generated part
Render of apc-propeller-rpm-limits-propeller from the free STEP; not to scale.

Fits with

Propeller diameter vs pitch, isometric render of a generated part
Propeller diameter vs pitch4 sizes★ 1 file
Pitch-to-diameter ratio, isometric render of a generated part
Pitch-to-diameter ratio4 sizes★ 1 file
Propeller blade count (2, 3 and 4 blades), isometric render of a generated part
Propeller blade count (2, 3 and 4 blades)4 sizes★ 1 file
Propeller helix angle and blade twist, isometric render of a generated part
Propeller helix angle and blade twist5 sizes★ 1 file
Propeller slip and efficiency, isometric render of a generated part
Propeller slip and efficiency3 sizes★ 1 file
Propeller naming suffixes (E, SF, MR, P, W, N, C), isometric render of a generated part
Propeller naming suffixes (E, SF, MR, P, W, N, C)5 sizes★ 1 file

Questions

Max rpm for an APC 10x4.7SF?

Slow flyer: 65,000/10 = 6,500 rpm (APC).