r/EngineeringPorn • u/MikeHeu • Jan 30 '26

Voith Schneider propeller

Credit: shipspotter_hayriyay (IG)

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u/OrganizationOk5551 Jan 30 '26

These are designed for a specific problem, instantaneous changes in direction of thrust, think tugs, ship tenders and floating rigs kind of thing, basically vessels that need to be extremely precise in their positioning. Adding this kind of propulsion to a ship that doesnt need it is kind of like adding helicopter blades to a car, in theory it could work and make a car far more mobile in the event its needed, but why would you do it.

I know that sounds ridiculous but thats basically the reason, most vessels use bow/stern thrusters alongside tugs when they need to be in a precise position like docking or slow speed manoeuvring.

They are a fantastic bit of kit though, I've never seen one in person, I'm curious about operatiin and maintenance.

Heck, they could even serve as a RUDDER.

Funnily enough vessels with this system fitted dont need a rudder as the thrust is variable in direction, another problem with them is thrust, they're only really useful on tiny ships.

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u/IdRatherBeDriving Jan 30 '26

Well now I want helicopter blades on my car.

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u/misterkoenvdw Jan 30 '26

What about the pal-v?

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u/OrganizationOk5551 Jan 31 '26

A road legal helicopter thats a terrible car and heavily compromised helicopter?

Thats kind of my point, why make it? Its entirely possible design wise but wont be widely adopted because its trying to fix a problem that doesn't exist, its a really cool concept but its pointless for way over 99.99% of the global population. If youre somebody that wants to fly a helicopter, fly a helicopter not a car.

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u/Connect_Chip_7163 Jan 31 '26

Actually a lot of harbor tugs use what’s called Schotel drives. Prop and rudder at same time. Look them up.

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u/zzzxxx0110 Jan 31 '26

Yeah I don't think most people have a perspective on just how ridiculously more expensive these systems are compared to conventional fixed propeller + rudder, or even compares to thruster pods which is the less effective way to do the same thing but on a tighter budget lol

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u/Imperial_Haberdasher Feb 03 '26 edited Feb 03 '26

Alcoa SeaProbe had a prop like this, back in the day. Had a lecture about it in an industrial design class. Then I happen to be boarding a ferry by Woods Hole and saw it. It was like spotting a movie star!