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Thread: Torque reaction
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Old 21st Jun 2021, 18:33
  #25 (permalink)  
DuncanDoenitz
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Cumbria
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Using round numbers, the Cessna 152 and Robinson R22 are powered by Lycoming piston engines of 110/120 hp. Whilst the Cessna's prop is ungeared, the Robinson's transmission is geared to turn the rotor at 1/5 of engine speed.

Rotational power is a function of torque multiplied by speed of rotation. To absorb the engine's power at 1/5 of the speed, the rotor has size and aerodynamic properties in order to load the transmission at 5 times the torque, to absorb the same power from the engine.

So although the fixed wing and rotary wing employ similar power, because of its speed of rotation the fixed wing airframe (in this example) requires only 1/5 of the anti-torque.
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