Just watched again... so bad ass.

"thats what I came for"

Awesome to watch! Those spectators sounded like they were pretty in to it.

On the props +1 with what Lyons said, plus they have variable pitch which we don't, I'm assuming it's still in use on those race planes, but don't know. I think the torque curve on those is probably quite a bit different than models as well. It's a good question, hopefully someone with some real full scale knowledge can answer.

Those guys had the premier spot. That P-38 doin' those worm burners was so sick!

Originally Posted by scott m lyons

I'm going to assume that they have so much power that a properly loaded two or three blade would be so large it would hit the ground. So to load the engine correctly a 4 blade is used .

Yes. A few use 3 blades, Rare Bear with modified P3 Orion blades (thicker chord).
Ill let the aero engineers chime in to explain better.
They also reduce the diameter of the props to keep the tips just below mach. The speeder springs/flyweights and governors are adjusted to allow more pitch for the speeds they reach.

very interesting... thanks.

Originally Posted by Shaker

My 1st trip to Reno was in 1984. SO many memories.

I met Pappy Boyington there that year, bought his book, got it signed, and talked to him for a short while,,,

An AV8 Harrier "00" with VMA-214 stationed at MCAS Yuma has his name on the side of the plane up there by the cockpit, just under the canopy, if my memory serves me right. Also this Squadron has a Special room dedicated to him, "Pappy's Room", along with all his Flying career memorabillia to include his Medal of Honor Citation and Medal.

Semper Fi

jUST FREAKIN AWESOME