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An automatic system consists of a governor unit which
controls the pitch angle of the blades so that the engine speed remains
constant. The propeller governor can be regulated by the pilot with
controls in the cockpit, so that any desired blade angle setting (within
its limits) and engine operating RPM can be obtained, thereby increasing
the airplane's operational efficiency in various flight conditions. A
low pitch, high RPM setting, for example, can be utilized to obtain
maximum power for takeoff; then after the airplane is airborne, a higher
pitch and lower RPM setting can be used to provide adequate thrust for
maintaining the proper airspeed. This may be compared to the use of low
gear in an automobile to accelerate until high speed is attained, then
shifting into high gear for the cruising speed (Fig.
2-17). |