Question for the history buffs

[Yossarian]

Originally Posted by Jasta 6

So ... it would appear that no one has a definitive answer? And i thought getting answers on paint schemes of WW1 planes was hard...

Yes there is, I gave it to you. It is simply to see that the prop is spinning. The answers saying it was to put off enemy gunners, make it hard to distinguish range or a dazzle effect are a load of rubbish.

Think about it, how would anyone see it on an aircraft approaching at 350mph, it's just so the ground crew don't walk into a spinning prop.

[Wissam24]

Yes. People have given a definitive answer. It's so people can see that the propelloor is spinning. How could it be a psychological effect, people will hardly be flying at each other, certainly not long enough to notice that

[beaker126]

And let's not forget, it does look pretty cool, too.

[Soviet Ace]

Originally Posted by Robotic Pope

So what physiological affect does this have on ground staff in modern airports? lol

It is there so you can see it is spinning. It was often painted big and bright on german WWII planes because it looked good, like nose art. I don't think the germans ever used the usual coloured propeller tip method.

Originally Posted by Wissam24

Yes. People have given a definitive answer. It's so people can see that the propelloor is spinning. How could it be a psychological effect, people will hardly be flying at each other, certainly not long enough to notice that

It was a joke. I have no idea how it would work for a physiological affect?

[Ju-87]

Airports/Airfields = Lots of noise and stress going on, easy to get hurt if you're not cautious...

[Kamak86]

Its to distract birds and warn personnel that the engine is on (the prop tips are there to warn you the outter edge of the props)....to the people saying "they would hear it". The simple answer is: they are wearing very good ear protection and sometimes there are more then one engines on or planes moving around in the area.

[Ancient Seraph]

Originally Posted by Kamak86

Its to distract birds and warn personnel that the engine is on

(Bird: ) Hey, a big metal thing is coming my way, let's get out of here! Oh wait... look at that spirally thing in the middle... can't.....get.....my...... eyes off of it..... too distracted..... to evade *splash*

Morale: I think it didn't have a lot to do with birds