Translucent torque occurs in which type of helicopter?

Translucent torque is a phenomenon that occurs specifically in single rotor helicopters. In these helicopters, as the rotor blades rotate, some of the lift generated creates a reactionary torque on the helicopter body. This torque is typically countered by the design of the helicopter, often with a tail rotor or other means to maintain stability and control.

In single rotor helicopters, the mechanics of torque are significant because as the rotor spins in one direction, it creates an equal and opposite reaction that needs to be managed. If not properly compensated through the tail rotor or other design elements, the helicopter would spin uncontrollably in the opposite direction of the rotor blade rotation. This understanding of translucent torque is fundamental for pilots and engineers involved in the design and operation of single rotor aircraft, as it directly impacts flight dynamics and safety.

Other types of helicopters, such as double rotor, multirotor, or gyroplanes, either do not experience this type of torque in the same way or have mechanisms that change how torque is managed, making the concept of translucent torque less applicable to those aircraft types. Double rotor helicopters may use counter-rotating blades to balance torque forces, multirotor helicopters distribute lift and torque across multiple rotors, and gyroplanes utilize a fixed main rotor