Description
The rudder consists of a pair of slightly conical (usually but not always - designs vary), semi-cones mounted on a pivot either side of the propeller with the long axis of the cone running fore and aft when the helm is midships. They are pivoted about a vertical axis such that the cone may close off the propeller thrust aft of the propeller, directing the thrust forwards and thus creating motion astern.
In addition to the "jaws" of the cone being controlled the direction of thrust is also controlled by rudder direction (compare this with an outdrive or an outboard motor for direction of thrust of an unenclosed propeller where the propeller itself pivots).
Modern equivalent include certain types of pump jets or the jet drive.
While not strictly Kitchen rudder technology, the "clamshell" thrust reverser on some aircraft jet engines is an aeronautical derivative of the device. The picture of the aircraft shows the clamshells deployed directing thrust forwards. This is equivalent to the Kitchen rudder in the "full astern" position.
Read more about this topic: Kitchen Rudder
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