Aerodynamic interference between pusher propeller slipstream and an airframe : literature review

In the article, an aerodynamic interference between pusher propeller slipstream and the airframe of the aircraft powered by it has been presented, based on a literature study. A pusher propeller is one of popular types of the airplane propulsion. It is applied mainly in light sport aircrafts, in the UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), unorthodox vehicles, like compound helicopters, canard and joined wing aircrafts etc. The main advantage of pusher propeller is that the engine with the pusher propeller does not affect the visibility from the cockpit and allows placing an electronic equipment in the front part of the UAV’s fuselage. Furthermore, reduced cabin noise and increase in stability due to acting normal force aft of the centre of gravity are other benefits of this configuration. The pusher propeller impact on the airframe, especially on the wing, is qualitatively different from the tractor configuration. Main differences between both propulsions has been discussed, as well as aerodynamic benefits of the pusher propeller – like reduction of separated flow area and extending area of laminar boundary layer. However, an application of pusher propeller may have also negative impact, especially lower performance than tractor propeller. In the article the reasons of this suppression has been briefly discussed.