Question of the day

[oilwell1415]

I haven't seen a science question of the day for a few days, so here's an aviation question of the day:

The B-17 bomber does not have reversible pitch propellors, but it is still possible for the pilot to back it into a parking space from the cockpit unassisted. How is this done?

 

[pho_phizzat]

has to be somesort of self propelled landing gear?

 

[oilwell1415]

Nope.

 

[CBrowning84]

psychic powers.

 

[Guy Fawkes]

psychic powers.

With our powers combined WE ARE CAPTAIN PLANET!!!!!

 

[SupaNOVA]

Radial engines can run in both directions.

 

[motoman991]

Radial engines can run in both directions.

Ding ding ding

 

[oilwell1415]

psychic powers.

No....

With our powers combined WE ARE CAPTAIN PLANET!!!!!

LOL, no....

Radial engines can run in both directions.

No, four stroke engines can't run backwards.

Ding ding ding

and see above.

 

[greyrob]

i have a yamaha 200 4-stroke that can run backwards

** i sure you were waiting for that one ***

 

[Double"O"]

park facing uphill? lol

or a thrust deflector/reversor within the nacelle

 

[D's01Snake]

who cares?

 

[D's01Snake]

ok i care. How the f does this work

 

[black4vcobra]

park facing uphill? lol

or a thrust deflector/reversor within the nacelle

This is about all I can think of as well. Kinda similar to a jet ski that can go in reverse due to a contoured "shield" that causes the water being propelled by the impeller to do a 180 degree turn.

 

[Ironhand]

I know that the B-17s Wright Cyclones have varible pitch propellers and it may be enough to back the plane up.

 

[oilwell1415]

i have a yamaha 200 4-stroke that can run backwards

** i sure you were waiting for that one ***

The quad can move backward, the engine can't run backwards

park facing uphill? lol

or a thrust deflector/reversor within the nacelle

No...

who cares?

Who cares about any of these questions? They still get asked and are still fun and educational.

This is about all I can think of as well. Kinda similar to a jet ski that can go in reverse due to a contoured "shield" that causes the water being propelled by the impeller to do a 180 degree turn.

Still no

I know that the B-17s Wright Cyclones have varible pitch propellers and it may be enough to back the plane up.

They are variable pitch (i.e. constant speed), but they are not reversible.

Here's a pic that might help if you stare at it long enough:

 

[DRTHV8R]

The wheels move in reverse?

 

[cobra_matt]

Does it have to do with alternating the engines that are running? Such as running engine #1 while all others are off, blocking off the tires on the side that engine #1 is on, and doing the opposite of this. I would guess that this causes the opposite side that the engine is running to back up and you would alternate this so the entire plane backs up.

 

[oilwell1415]

Does it have to do with alternating the engines that are running? Such as running engine #1 while all others are off, blocking off the tires on the side that engine #1 is on, and doing the opposite of this. I would guess that this causes the opposite side that the engine is running to back up and you would alternate this so the entire plane backs up.

Close enough. The landing gear is mounted on the inboard engine nacelles. By applying brake to one wheel and adding power to the engine outside it you can make the opposite side of the plane move baskwards. Alternating side to side results in the plane backing up.

 

[D's01Snake]

Yes! I get it now. Good question. I take my statement back about not caring. I do care. In fact ive been googling all morning.

 

[oilwell1415]

Yes! I get it now. Good question. I take my statement back about not caring. I do care. In fact ive been googling all morning.

I'm full of useless aviation information, and non aviation information for that matter. I'll do more of these if people are interested.