Definition

1. Noun:
   • A rotor on the tail of a helicopter: The anti-torque rotor is a small, vertical rotor mounted on the tail boom of a single-rotor helicopter.
   • A device to counteract rotational force: Its primary function is to produce thrust to counteract the torque effect created by the rotation of the main rotor, preventing the helicopter's fuselage from spinning in the opposite direction.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The pilot adjusted the pitch of the anti-torque rotor to maintain a stable hover.
  • A failure in the anti-torque rotor system can make the helicopter difficult to control.

Advanced Usage

• Technical Context: In aviation engineering, the "anti-torque rotor" is a critical flight control system component. Its effectiveness is essential for directional control, especially during maneuvers like hovering and low-speed flight.
• Common Terminology: It is often informally called a "tail rotor." However, "anti-torque rotor" is the more precise technical term describing its specific function.

Variants and Related Words

• Tail rotor (n): A common synonym for the anti-torque rotor, emphasizing its location.
• Fenestron (n): A specific, enclosed type of anti-torque rotor system, also known as a "fan-in-fin" tail rotor.
• NOTAR (n): Acronym for "No Tail Rotor," an alternative anti-torque system that uses directed airflow instead of a conventional rotor.

Synonyms

• Tail rotor: The most common direct synonym.
• Anti-torque device: A broader term that can include systems like NOTAR.

Related Phrases

• Pedal turn: A helicopter maneuver controlled primarily by adjusting the anti-torque rotor's thrust via the pilot's foot pedals.
  • The pilot executed a smooth pedal turn to the left.

Noun

1. rotor consisting of a rotating airfoil on the tail of a single-rotor helicopter; keeps the helicopter from spinning in the direction opposite to the rotation of the main rotor