But at some point practicality comes into play!
Td, I think You summed up Aviation Design in a short and sweet sentence!
May I use it in the future?
Not that that has ever stopped the USSR. I think they have the record on power and propeller complexity. The Tupolev Bear comes to mind. An engineering delight, I am sure.
Long time since I did props, but the sound of a C185 with 300hp and standard two blade as it takes of , makes a wonderful sound as it passes abeam.
Tips chasing M1.
I also had the pleasure of flying nr 29 Beech 200 with pod and standard 3 blade. The fastest in the fleet and a delight to land. An old rented Ken Borek machine.
The 4 bladed was less forgiving in the flare if you thought you had a 3 blade, the drag was about twice.
The 6 bladed Dornier 328 was rather quiet in the cabin for a high wing, one of its selling points.
Anyway
Back to my 30% Jet with 24 blades, fixed pitch. ( CFM 56)
Regards
Cpt B