The tail rotor produces thrust and is controlled through the use of what mechanism?

The tail rotor of a helicopter is designed to counteract the torque effect produced by the main rotor. As the main rotor spins, it generates a rotational force that tends to turn the helicopter’s fuselage in the opposite direction. To maintain directional control and stability, the tail rotor produces the necessary anti-torque thrust.

Control of the tail rotor is achieved through anti-torque pedals, which the pilot manipulates. When the pilot presses one pedal, it alters the pitch of the tail rotor blades, increasing or decreasing thrust to counterbalance the main rotor's torque. This mechanism allows the pilot to control the helicopter’s yaw, enabling it to turn to the left or right as needed.

The other mechanisms listed, such as the control stick and collective lever, serve different functions. The control stick primarily controls the cyclic pitch of the main rotor blades, influencing the helicopter's forward, backward, and sideways movement. The collective lever adjusts the pitch of all the rotor blades simultaneously, controlling the overall lift. The yaw control rod is not a standard term generally used in helicopter mechanics related to the direct control of the tail rotor thrust. Thus, understanding the specific role of anti-torque pedals is essential for grasping how tail rotor thrust and helicopter yaw control are managed.