Why do helicopters need tail rotors?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Counteract body rotation
Counteract body rotation ✓ — Correct! Newton's Third Law: main rotor spins one direction, body wants to spin opposite (torque reaction). Without tail rotor, helicopter spins uncontrollably! Tail rotor produces sideways thrust, creating counter-torque stabilizing body. Pilot controls tail rotor pitch (pedals) for directional control. Tandem rotors (Chinook) spin opposite directions—torques cancel, no tail rotor needed. Some helicopters use NOTAR (no tail rotor)—air jets for control!
Balance the weight — Wrong. Balance comes from rotor positioning and center of gravity. Tail rotor prevents body rotation from main rotor torque reaction.
Cool the engine — Wrong. Engine has separate cooling. Tail rotor counteracts torque—prevents fuselage spinning opposite to main rotor direction.