Question About Convair B-36 Props

[octane130]

On the Pima Air Museum's B-36J, I noticed that there is some kind of rectangular vent or other type of opening near the trailing edge of the front side of each prop blade out near the tip (see photos). As you face toward the nose of the aircraft from behind the wing, the 19-foot-diameter props rotate counter-clockwise. I couldn't find anything at all about these on the internet. Does anyone know about this feature?

Thanks!

[Cvairwerks]

Prop de-ice. I don't remember the source of the air though.

[shrike]

Prop de-ice. I don't remember the source of the air though.

Plenty of hot air generated by the engines buried in the wings.

[Cvairwerks]

I can't remember if it's engine exhaust, oil cooler exhaust, nacelle exhaust or ECS air....

[aerovin]

Excellent description of the B-36 engine and prop installation in Graham White's book on the R-4360. Not in front of me now but I am sure a good explanation of that system is included.

https://www.amazon.com/R-4360-Pratt-Whitneys-Major-Miracle/dp/1580071732/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466796883&sr=8-1&keywords=r4360

[octane130]

I can't remember if it's engine exhaust, oil cooler exhaust, nacelle exhaust or ECS air....

As Aerovin mentioned, I did find an explanation of the prop deicing in the book "R-4360 Pratt & Whitney's Major Miracle" by Graham White. Quick quote: "Propeller deicing is accomplished by passing hot air from the engine exhaust collector ring shrouding to the propeller hot air distributor ring. It is then directed into the propeller hub, through the propeller blades, and centrifuged through exit ports in the blade tips." Very interesting and simple system.

Thanks, guys!

[Clifford Bossie]

As others have stated it was a simple system:

[JohnB]

Neat stuff!
Although the system is "simple", just look at the number of parts it required and I"ll guess it didn't make access to the power plant or accessories easier.

Somehow, I always imagine the plight of the poor mechanics working in tight quarters in the boiling sun of El Paso or the bitter cold of Rapid City (to say nothing of TDY to Alaska), probably a result of my dad's post flying days when he was a maintenance squadron commander/maintenance group chief.

Also, great original post. Every time I go to Pima or the NMUSAF, I try to spend some time to really study airframe. Many times I'll notice something like this and wonder what it is or how it works. I try not to get so wrapped up in taking photos or so excited to see a new exhibit that I pass up the chance to really get to know an airframe.

[Clifford Bossie]

Neat stuff!
Although the system is "simple", just look at the number of parts it required and I"ll guess it didn't make access to the power plant or accessories easier.

Somehow, I always imagine the plight of the poor mechanics working in tight quarters in the boiling sun of El Paso or the bitter cold of Rapid City (to say nothing of TDY to Alaska), probably a result of my dad's post flying days when he was a maintenance squadron commander/maintenance group chief.

Also, great original post. Every time I go to Pima or the NMUSAF, I try to spend some time to really study airframe. Many times I'll notice something like this and wonder what it is or how it works. I try not to get so wrapped up in taking photos or so excited to see a new exhibit that I pass up the chance to really get to know an airframe.

It was 108 at my house in El Paso yesterday. Only 104 today. I can only imagine how brutal it was working on maintenance pigs like the B-36, C-124, or B-50 out in the open. And it gets cold in the winter!

The sun beating down during so much of the year is why the 95th BW at Biggs and the 6th BW at Walker (Roswell, NM) painted the area over the crew cabin white on their B-36s and B-52s. It would help to keep that part of the plane a little cooler: