The Voith Schneider propeller is both a ship propulsion system and a steering mechanism.
A horizontal disc rotates at a constant speed in one direction.
Four rotating blades are mounted on the disc.
All four are always aligned to a common point on the disc. If this control point S is in the center of the disc, the propeller runs idle.
Thrust is generated when the blades are aligned to an eccentric control point.
A shift in the control point S causes a change in the direction of propulsion. Any position of the control point is possible, which means that any direction of movement of the ship is possible, even turning on the spot.
1 Forward
2 Backward
3 Starboard
4 Port
The thrust and thus the speed of the ship can be continuously adjusted on the L – V scale.
L Idling
V Full power