Prop selection is to a large degree based on what you expect out of your Super Cub – some data to help out
I set up the Super Cub's receiver and motor on my Home Brew Motor/Prop Tester to test out a number of different propellers using the SuperCub's stock 480 brushed motor. The tests were conducted using the standard 7 cell battery @ 8.4 volts and then with a laboratory power supply.
The props used were to give a range of results, ranging from a 9×4.7 to 11×8 to compare results to the stock Super Cub 10×8 prop.
Super Cub Propeller Test Results
Stock brushed 480 motor, 8.4 volt 1000 mah NiMH batteries
Propeller
RPM
Amps
Volts
Watts
Thrust in Grams
Grams/Watt
Grams Thrust/RPM (000)
Stock 10×8
4222
9.47
7.85
74.3
402
5.41
95.2
GWS SF 9×4.7
5231
6.18
8.70
53.8
334
6.21
63.9
GWS SF 10×4.7
4972
8.14
8.19
66.7
434
6.51
87.3
GWS HD 10×6
5431
6.86
8.46
58.0
384
6.62
70.7
GWS SF 10×8
4333
9.27
7.87
73.0
404
5.53
93.2
GWS SF 11×8
3800
10.37
7.79
80.8
448
5.54
118.0
After this test, I then used a laboratory power supply to hold the voltage constant at 7.90 volts and let the amps float – the results below:
Propeller
RPM
Amps
Volts
Watts
Thrust in Grams
Grams/Watt
Grams Thrust/RPM (000)
Stock 10×8
4196
9.27
7.90
73.2
402
5.49
95.8
GWS SF 10×4.7
4727
7.43
7.90
58.7
402
6.84
85.0
GW HDS 10×6
5121
6.11
7.90
48.3
338
7.00
66.0
GWS SF 10×8
4247
9.04
7.92
71.6
390
5.45
91.8
GWS SF 11×8
3728
10.40
7.74
80.5
440
5.47
118.0
The power supply would only go to 7.74 volts for the 11×8 SF.
The closest alternative to the stock 10×8 is the GWS SF 10×8; however, the blades are not as rigid as the stock 10×8 and in flight under high stress circumstances may not perform up to the stock prop; I've used the GWS SF 10×8 and not noticed substantially different performance.
The most efficient prop is the GWS HD 10×6 – this will give increased flight times due to its lower power requirements.
I think this one is the best alternative to the stock 10×8 – even though the thrust is a bit lower, it is more robust than the SF props and most likely holds its shape better under stress. It also fits directly over the nut on the 480's shaft – the other SF props require a lock washer to hold them in place.
The GWS SF 10×4.7 is puts up some good numbers on the bench; however, I used this and did find that it does not perform as well as the numbers indicate – for example, I found loops a bit of a struggle from level flight. I think this prop flexes under stress and as a result it's losing pitch, resulting in less power.
If you want more power, then the GWS 11×8 is a nice upgrade. I've used this one also and it does give more power but it will cut into flight times as it needs more power.
Last, I tested the 9×4.7 to show the performance difference – I would not recommend flying this one.
CONCLUSIONS
Prop selection is to a large degree based on what you expect out of your Super Cub – if you want longer flight times and good performance, the GWS HD 10×6 looks like good all-around choice. The GWS 11×8 SF is a "power" choice and the GWS HD 10×4.7 could be an interesting one to try out.
Users with the 9.6 volt / Lipo as power sources will show better numbers due to higher power, although without reading amps/volts with a wattmeter, I'd hesistate to guess by how much.
Finally, it's interesting to note that with 400 grams of thrust – 14.1 ounces – the Super Cub's spec thrust to weight ratio is 0.52, about what you'd expect for a trainer.
I would very much appreciate emails from others with experiences with these and other props.
HobbyZone Super Cub Prop Tests
Prop selection is to a large degree based on what you expect out of your Super Cub – some data to help out
I set up the Super Cub's receiver and motor on my Home Brew Motor/Prop Tester to test out a number of different propellers using the SuperCub's stock 480 brushed motor. The tests were conducted using the standard 7 cell battery @ 8.4 volts and then with a laboratory power supply.
The props used were to give a range of results, ranging from a 9×4.7 to 11×8 to compare results to the stock Super Cub 10×8 prop.
After this test, I then used a laboratory power supply to hold the voltage constant at 7.90 volts and let the amps float – the results below:
The closest alternative to the stock 10×8 is the GWS SF 10×8; however, the blades are not as rigid as the stock 10×8 and in flight under high stress circumstances may not perform up to the stock prop; I've used the GWS SF 10×8 and not noticed substantially different performance.
The most efficient prop is the GWS HD 10×6 – this will give increased flight times due to its lower power requirements.
I think this one is the best alternative to the stock 10×8 – even though the thrust is a bit lower, it is more robust than the SF props and most likely holds its shape better under stress. It also fits directly over the nut on the 480's shaft – the other SF props require a lock washer to hold them in place.
The GWS SF 10×4.7 is puts up some good numbers on the bench; however, I used this and did find that it does not perform as well as the numbers indicate – for example, I found loops a bit of a struggle from level flight. I think this prop flexes under stress and as a result it's losing pitch, resulting in less power.
If you want more power, then the GWS 11×8 is a nice upgrade. I've used this one also and it does give more power but it will cut into flight times as it needs more power.
Last, I tested the 9×4.7 to show the performance difference – I would not recommend flying this one.
Prop selection is to a large degree based on what you expect out of your Super Cub – if you want longer flight times and good performance, the GWS HD 10×6 looks like good all-around choice. The GWS 11×8 SF is a "power" choice and the GWS HD 10×4.7 could be an interesting one to try out.
Users with the 9.6 volt / Lipo as power sources will show better numbers due to higher power, although without reading amps/volts with a wattmeter, I'd hesistate to guess by how much.
Finally, it's interesting to note that with 400 grams of thrust – 14.1 ounces – the Super Cub's spec thrust to weight ratio is 0.52, about what you'd expect for a trainer.
I would very much appreciate emails from others with experiences with these and other props.