Apparatus and method for transmitting a rotary input into counter-rotating outputs

A method comprising the steps of:

• inputting rotary power to a propeller gear box assembly;
• directing a first portion of the rotary power to a first propeller row through a first shaft member coupled to the propeller gear box assembly;
• directing a second portion of the rotary power to a second propeller row through a second shaft member coupled to the propeller gear box assembly, the second portion of rotary power being less than the first portion of rotary power;
• and
• positioning the first propeller row closer to the propeller gear box assembly than the second propeller row.

A propulsion apparatus comprising:

• a turbine engine including an output shaft operable to deliver rotary power;
• a sun gear arranged for rotation with said output shaft;
• a plurality of planetary gears operable to mesh with said sun gear;
• a planetary gear carrier joining said plurality of planetary gears;
• a ring gear surrounding and meshing with said plurality of planetary gears;
• a first shaft member coupled to said planetary gear carrier for transmitting motion in a first rotational direction;
• a first propeller row driven in rotation by said first shaft member;
• a second shaft member coupled to said ring gear for transmitting motion in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction;
• and
• a second propeller row driven in rotation by said second shaft member, wherein said first propeller row is positioned closer to said planetary gear carrier than said second propeller row.