What's with the Spirals on German Aircraft?

[Ματθιας]

What's with the Spirals on German Aircraft?

Video Description:

If you've ever seen historical footage from the Second World War depicting Luftwaffe planes you may have seen some with strange spiral or swirl shapes on the nose cones. Have you ever wondered what these are? Well in today's video we'll answer the question, What's with the Spirals on German Aircraft during World War Two?

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f91s_YahxbY[/ame]

 

[soFlaNative]

Headache ! !

 

[Alk8944]

The spiral pattern on the "spinner" is a very common design seen on many aircraft, country of origin has nothing to do with it. It is even seen on many modern jet powered transport, on the spinner of the first stage fan of the engines. More than anything it is strictly decorative.

 

[The Last Standing Knight]

I've seen it on jet engines, too.

I think it is for safety. If you can't see it...it means the props/jets are working, and not to walk into them.

Yes, having worked around a major airport, I can see that as the case...

 

[chief38]

To hypnotize enemy pilots - LOL!!

I thought it was to prevent bird strike, but not certain.

 

[glenwolde]

They were trying to hypnotize Allied pilots...

 

[Skeet 028]

To show that the springs were wound up so you can fly. My balsa wood planes had em when the rubber bands were cranked all the way up. Didn't have to throw 'em...LOL

 

[Rudi]

The Germans had style. It looks cool too.

 

[glenwolde]

The Germans had style. It looks cool too.

True. Best dressed guys in the war. That was why they lost.

 

[Rudi]

True. Best dressed guys in the war. That was why they lost.

Having a total nut job in charge didn't help them either.

 

[CH4]

Safety
So folks could/can tell if the prop or turbine is spinning. They do the same on propellor shafts for the same reason.

 

[2152hq]

Because needed it as they were about to enter the Twilight Zone.

 

[Shibadog]

Having a total nut job in charge didn't help them either.

Well, there is That..

 

[SMSgt]

I've seen it on jet engines, too.

I think it is for safety. If you can't see it...it means the props/jets are working, and not to walk into them.

Yes, having worked around a major airport, I can see that as the case...

You walk too close to a running intake only once.

 

[Rotorhead1026]

To hypnotize enemy pilots - LOL!!

I thought it was to prevent bird strike, but not certain.

You are correct, chief! There's some evidence that it reduces bird strikes. This is postwar thinking; the Luftwaffe use is decorative.

 

[Rotorhead1026]

Safety
So folks could tell if the prop or turbine is spinning.

If one of those big fans is even idling, you're away too close if you can see the hub.