Electric drive for aircraft

AERODYNAMIC EFFICIENCY of very large highs-peed propeller-driven aircraft could be increased substantially if the power plants could be moved out of the wings, thereby decreasing the size of the nacelles. In addition, a plan then might be worked out whereby each power plant could operate at its lowest specific fuel consumption point, with some units being shut down during low load periods. However, such a scheme is not feasible under current practice because of difficulties which would be encountered in transmitting mechanical power through flexible members. Stopping engines and feathering the propellers directly connected to them is a rather unsatisfactory method of reducing power, and can be quite dangerous in wartime.