Originally Posted by
SplineDrive
“Declutching” down to a slow rpm basically eliminates the blade tip noise from the prop which, like a tail rotor, is far worse than the main rotor noise. Being low to the ground, blade tip erosion from a slow spinning prop is also improved. I think for a combat scout there are operational reasons to prefer a clutchable prop. Reduced power loss from prop profile drag as well. Is all this worth the cost/weight/complexity of a clutchable prop? Completely fair question. Raider included the technology as a demonstrator. I guess it’s possible it is eliminated on Raider-X as not being worth the penalties. We’ll have to see.
Certainly there are good reasons to have a clutched prop. Sikorsky has sold this as a major advantage. Either 1) they did not execute the design well or 2) Your concern, that they may have had to keep the prop engaged for blade cooling reasons.