"Don McIntyre" wrote in message
oups.com...
Why did they settle on the 3-blade configuration? Wouldn't a 4-bladed
system allow for a smaller footprint on the ground (or ship)? Or is
there too much thrust loss involved?

I would suspect it is a compromise due to the amount of force that has to be
applied through comparatively small components and the strength of the
materials out of which those components can be built.
--
Andrew Chaplin
SIT MIHI GLADIUS SICUT SANCTO MARTINO
(If you're going to e-mail me, you'll have to get "yourfinger." out.)