What was the purpose of using two counter-rotating propellers on the 1903 Flyer?
Answer
To counteract the torque generated by the engine and propellers during operation.
In aviation, the rotation of a propeller creates a reactionary force known as torque, which would typically cause an aircraft to rotate in the opposite direction of the propeller spin. By utilizing two propellers that rotated in opposite directions (counter-rotating), the Wright Brothers successfully neutralized this torque. This ensured that the aircraft remained stable and straight during flight rather than being pulled to one side, which was essential for maintaining control during the initial powered flights.
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