Strictly for ramp appeal...which, IMHO, isn't worth it. I've had the
McCaulley folks claim no loss of cruise speed. Not sure about the
weight difference/penalty. I figure that the added purchase price and
increased overhaul costs of a 3-blade don't justify it. Still, I do
like the looks of a 3-blade. Of course, that all goes away once you
crank the engine and start converting cash into lift/airspeed :-)