Quote:
Originally Posted by Modena
So how come helicopter blades (and airplane props) are straight?
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Not all are. Depends on the requirement of the particular aircraft. Civil aviation is quite a conservative industry. Have a look at the turbine blades on a late model airliner, they will be generally be curved or sickle shaped.
Compound shapes require the use of hybrid construction using composites combined with exotic materials such as titanium.
Light aircraft such as a Cessna 172 don't see the benefit of exotic engineering so not worth the cost of development and certification.