> Aerodynamically, having fewer but much larger props would make more sense for efficiency, Source? I can think of a lot of flight reasons many small props co

> Aerodynamically, having fewer but much larger props would make more sense for efficiency, Source? I can think of a lot of flight reasons many small props could be better. You can spin faster while still keeping the tip subsonic. Typically fans have inefficiencies because outter blade moves so much faster than the inner blade & this effect is reduced with smaller blades. If you're looking for a blown wing effect you get much more surface area. Airflow is smoother because prop wash is more dispersed and even. For a while it seemed like many props was the sure way forward. It's definitely less seen now, but for example the Aurora XV-24A LightningStrike, NASA X-57 Maxwell, and GL-10 Greased Lightning seemed like they were setting the way forward. It seemed like technical difficulties that beset the Maxwell team that made them reduce Maxwell to a less ambitious more conventional electric offering. https://www.nasa.gov/stem-content/x-57-electric-airplane/ https://www.nasa.gov/stem-content/x-57-electric-airplane/ https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/sas/2017/04/04/electric-drones-aurora-team-behind-vtol-x-plane-focuses-on-hybrid-propulsion/ https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/sas/2017/04...