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Tractor vs pusher propeller

Tractor or pusher propeller? · Standard part · basis: Design rules and figures from the cited sources; example geometry by Xem Studio

Also called: tractor vs pusher, pusher propeller, pusher prop rc, tractor propeller, pusher vs tractor efficiency, pusher prop clearance, pusher prop direction, rear mounted propeller, pusher plane design

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

sizes
3 in table

Notes

  • A tractor prop pulls from the front; a pusher pushes from the back. The FAA notes pusher propellers are subject to more damage than tractors because of ground clearance (FAA Powerplant Handbook).
  • Propwash over a tractor's tail increases rudder effectiveness (FAA PHAK ch.6), which pushers lose; McCombs notes tractor vs pusher mounting shifts the required fin size (Model Aviation). APC pusher props carry a 'P' suffix (APC).
  • 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.

Tractor vs pusher propeller size chart

parametervalue or rangesource
Damage exposurepushers more than tractors (ground clearance)FAA Powerplant Handbook
Rudder effectivenessincreased by propwash on tractorsFAA PHAK ch.6
APC pusher suffixPAPC Nomenclature

Where the files are

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

FAAAviation Maintenance Technician Handbook - Powerplant, Ch. 7 PropellerswebPublisher's page; dimensions are facts
FAAPilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25), Ch. 6 Flight ControlswebPublisher's page; dimensions are facts
Model Aviation (AMA), W.F. McCombsVertical Tail Size for Models (Apr 1992)webPublisher's page; dimensions are facts
APC PropellersAPC Propeller NomenclaturewebPublisher'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

tractor-vs-pusher-propeller-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=tractor-vs-pusher-propeller

Tractor vs pusher propeller, isometric render of a generated part
Render of tractor-vs-pusher-propeller-propeller from the free STEP; not to scale.

Fits with

Questions

Why do pushers break props?

They sit closer to the ground on landing (FAA Powerplant Handbook).