What is the difference between a pusher and a tractor airplane?

Normally, there are two main types of propeller position; where the propeller is mounted at the wing leading edge and is known as a “tractor” and where the propeller is mounted at the wing tailing edge, which is known as a “pusher.” The wing aerodynamic characteristics of each are different and their force and moment ...

What is the difference between pusher type and tractor propeller configuration?

In an aircraft with a pusher configuration (as opposed to a tractor configuration), the propeller(s) are mounted behind their respective engine(s). According to British aviation author Bill Gunston, a "pusher propeller" is one mounted behind the engine, so that the drive shaft is in compression in normal operation.

What is a pusher plane?

A pusher aircraft is a type of aircraft using propellers placed behind the engines. Puhers may be classified according to lifting surfaces layout (conventional or 3 surface, canard, joined wing, tailless and rotorcraft) as well as engine/propeller location and drive.

What is a tractor airplane?

In aviation, the term tractor configuration refers to an aircraft constructed in the standard configuration with its engine mounted with the propeller in front of it so that the aircraft is "pulled" through the air.

Are pusher propellers more efficient?

The pusher design is more efficient, because the suction forward of the prop reduces flow separation, and the accelerated flow behind it is not streaming around the fuselage (or wing), where it would create additional friction drag.

PUSHER AIRCRAFT Configuration EXPLAINED IN DEPTH

What is the advantage of a pusher propeller?

A pusher propeller configuration offers several advantages over the traditional tractor arrangement. For instance, the wing of a twin‐engined aircraft is no longer exposed to the swirling and turbulent slipstream. This results in a much smoother wing inflow, a prerequisite for aerodynamic refinement.

What direction does a pusher prop spin?

Reverse also known as P-type or pusher, direction of rotation is established when a propeller is rotating clockwise (CW), as seen by an outside observer standing in front of the propeller and looking at it.

What type of plane is a crop duster?

Purpose-built aircraft

Currently, the most common agricultural aircraft are the Air Tractor, Cessna Ag-wagon, Gippsland GA200, Grumman Ag Cat, PZL-106 KRUK, M-18 Dromader, PAC Fletcher, Piper PA-36 Pawnee Brave, Embraer EMB 202 Ipanema, and Rockwell Thrush Commander but multi-purpose helicopters are also used.

Why are ag planes yellow?

The yellow ones are more favorable as they are called Air Tractor's and suited better for crop dusting work. Someone else will help with more specific data on the power to weight ratio's and spray pattern's.

What is tractor type propeller?

Definition of tractor propeller

: a propeller of an airplane that is placed at the forward end of its shaft and pulls on the thrust bearing instead of pushing — compare pusher.

Why do airlines still use prop planes?

The planes aren't as fast as jet planes, especially on longer routes. But, importantly, turboprops offer substantial efficiency improvements compared with jet aircraft on short-haul routes, an asset that operators may find attractive as they seek to meet ambitious sustainability targets.

Why did the b36 have pusher props?

But why use pusher propellers on the B-36? Much like the propellers on a boat churn up the water, aircraft propellers leave turbulent air in their wakes. This turbulent air passing over wing surfaces both decreases lift and increases drag. Thus, more thrust is required.

Do jet engines push or pull?

A jet engine is a machine that converts energy-rich, liquid fuel into a powerful pushing force called thrust. The thrust from one or more engines pushes a plane forward, forcing air past its scientifically shaped wings to create an upward force called lift that powers it into the sky.

Why do propellers face forward?

Pressure is higher at the front because of the kinetic pressure of the fluid, and lower at the back for the reverse reason. By putting the prop of a boat in the back you reduce the pressure difference that the seals have to deal with.

What are the two types of propeller configurations?

Propeller Configurations. Aircraft have had two types of propeller configurations: pusher propellers and tractor propellers. Aircraft with pusher propellers place the propeller assembly behind the engine. The thrust produced by the propeller pushes the airplane forward.

How much does a crop duster pilot make?

The average pay for an Airplane Pilot Crop Dusting is $85,771 a year and $41 an hour in the United States. The average salary range for an Airplane Pilot Crop Dusting is between $60,905 and $106,191. On average, a Bachelor's Degree is the highest level of education for an Airplane Pilot Crop Dusting.

What engine is in a crop duster?

Generally agricultural aircraft have piston or turboprop engines. The only known exception is the Polish PZL M-15 Belphegor which has a jet engine.

How long does it take to become a crop duster pilot?

The first step to become a crop duster is to earn a commercial pilot license through the Federal Aviation Administration. This includes passing a medical exam and flying for 250 hours.

What is a crop duster fart?

Crop dusting is the act of farting on the move. It might seem rude to fart and run, but it's every man for himself in this world, and if you can get out of where you are quickly, you won't have to deal with any of the aftermath.

Do crop dusters fly under power lines?

Crop dusting pilots are the adrenaline junkies of the farm world. They whizz through the air and fly under power lines to apply seeds and pesticides to farmers' fields. It's a high-tech industry now, but it's still a dangerous job.

Can crop dusters fly over houses?

The rule in general allows for them to fly to and from fields at 500 feet or above; if flying over a town, they must fly at least 1,000 feet above the surface. “As much as possible we try to avoid antagonizing anyone, but there are so many houses out there anymore, you just can't avoid them all,” Gustafson said.

Why do torpedoes have two propellers?

Torpedoes have commonly used contra-rotating propellers to give the maximum possible speed within a limited diameter as well as counteracting the torque that would otherwise tend to cause the torpedo to rotate around its own longitudinal axis.

How do you tell if a prop is CW or CCW?

Identify CW and CCW Threads

So basically if you can fasten the prop nut clockwise, then you have a CCW motor, for which you should get the Right handed thread nut (standard thread).

Why are contra-rotating propellers used?

Use of contra-rotating propellers recovers energy lost due to the motion of the air in the slipstream of the forward propeller and allows for an increase in power without a corresponding increase in propeller diameter. It will also help counter the torque effects of a high power piston engine.