Spiral slipstream

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Spiral slipstream (also known as spiraling slipstream, or just slipstream in the UK) is a spiral-shaped slipstream formed behind a rotating propeller on an aircraft. The most noticeable effect resulting from the formation of a spiral slipstream is the tendency to yaw nose-left at low speed and full throttle. This effect is caused by the slipstream acting upon the tail fin of the aircraft: the slipstream causes the air to rotate around the forward-aft axis of the aircraft, and this air flow exerts a force on the tail fin, pushing it to the right. To counteract this, some aircraft have the front of the fin (vertical stablizer) slightly offset from the centreline so as to provide an opposing force that cancels out the one produced by the slipstream, albeit only at one particular (usually cruising) speed, an example being the Hawker Hurricane fighter from World War II.

It can also roll the aircraft to the right. This is also caused by the air hitting the fin of the aircraft. This effect is minimal (negligible).

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[edit] References

  1. Centennial of Flight Commission: diagram of the spiral slipstream
  2. Forces and Moments: Spiral Slipstream
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