Originally Posted by
FGD135
Could that have been due to the colder Swiss temperatures, rather than the prop, rcoight? How do you know they provide "much more thrust"?
No. The temps in Switzerland when I was there were equivalent to or warmer than winter temps where I'm based.
Hard to believe, but it wasn't a non-stop flight Switzerland to Oz. During that trip I also departed from Egypt / Dubai / Myanmar / Delhi / KL all with temps around 40C or above. Noticeably better take-off / climb performance every time.
Since then I've flown around 1000 hours behind the 5-blade, as well as another 1000 behind the 4-blade. Sometimes on the same day.
No comparison. The 5-blade produces superior performance (except in cruise), and is quieter and smoother.
The comment "much more thrust" is a seat of the pants feeling backed up by actual performance numbers.
I would have thought that was obvious.
The 5-blade turns at the same 1700rpm in all phases of flight as the 4-blade, BTW.