Quote:
Originally Posted by Neilk
Can't they put one engine in reverse to get the ship to change course or does that take too long?
|
They actually don't even have to put the engine in reverse. All they need to do is reverse the pitch on one prop - the engines always turn in the same direction - they're turbines.
That said, they are frequently "trailing" one prop. That means that they have feathered one prop for minimal drag, and one set/side of turbines has been shut off. This saves wear and tear on major components, as well as fuel.
The problem with this operation is that if the McCain or the Fitzgerald needs to turn abruptly, it takes much longer if that turn is
towards the operating prop. It's easy to turn say, to the port if the port prop is trailing - just accelerate the starboard; conversely, it takes forever to turn to port if the port prop is propelling the ship.
There has been speculation that this may have been the case in the Fitzgerald incident.