The propeller converts engine power into ______.

The propeller converts engine power into thrust. This process is fundamental to the operation of any aircraft, as thrust is the force that propels the aircraft forward through the air. When the engine produces power, it is transmitted to the propeller, causing it to spin. The design of the propeller harnesses this rotational energy and generates a pressure differential, which results in thrust. The effectiveness of this power-to-thrust conversion is critical for overcoming drag and achieving flight.

Thrust is essential for moving the aircraft forward and is measured in pounds of force. Understanding this conversion helps in grasping how propulsion works in aviation, particularly in terms of performance metrics and efficiency.

While torque, shaft horsepower, and vertical lift are all important concepts in aviation and engineering, they do not accurately describe the specific output of the propeller in converting engine power in the context of propulsion. Torque refers to the rotational force produced by the engine, shaft horsepower measures the engine's power output, and vertical lift pertains to the forces that allow an aircraft to ascend. Thus, thrust is the direct and specific output of the propeller in converting engine power.