How Does Propeller Placement Affect Wing Lift?

[sid_galt]

If the propeller is placed in front of wings and since the job of the propeller is to accelerate the airflow, wouldn't it result in faster airflow around the wing resulting in increased lift?

 

[Astronuc]

IIRC, the wake of the propeller is turbulent, or at least not as smooth as one would like. In fact there is probably some rotation in the prop wake, which means the lift (if any) is not as good as the lift coming from the free stream.

Also consider the fact that the engine nacelle is attached to the wing, underside or top and bottom, so there is no effective lift from the engine.

The idea is to develop an underwing pressure which is greater than overwing pressure.