tail rotor

British  

noun

1. a small propeller fitted to the rear of a helicopter to counteract the torque reaction of the main rotor and thus prevent the body of the helicopter from rotating in an opposite direction

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Example Sentences

It appeared that the helicopter augered into the dirt embankment on the side of the highway, tearing up weeds with its tail rotor before skidding across five freeway lanes.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 7, 2025

The tail rotor counteracts the torque of a helicopter's main rotor to ensure the aircraft does not spin out of control.

From Reuters • Sep. 6, 2023

The tail rotor is key to keeping the helicopter stable and steering it.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 16, 2023

“Examination of the main and tail rotor assemblies found damage consistent with powered rotation at the time of impact. The initial point of impact consisted of highly fragmented cabin and cockpit debris,” the report noted.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 7, 2020

If there is a fault with the tail rotor, the helicopter will start to spin.

From BBC • Oct. 26, 2019