Which control surface is associated with differential control?

Differential control primarily relates to ailerons, which are located on the wings of an aircraft. Ailerons are responsible for controlling the roll of the aircraft, allowing it to bank and turn by varying the lift on each wing. Differential control refers to the method of operating ailerons so that one aileron moves up while the other moves down to reduce adverse yaw and improve overall control during turns.

During a turn, when the ailerons are deflected, the downward-moving aileron increases lift on that wing, while the upward-moving aileron decreases lift on the opposite wing. By adjusting the amount of deflection for each aileron uniquely, this differential action helps maintain better lateral control and balance, thus enhancing the aircraft's maneuverability and stability.

This concept is specifically tied to the function of ailerons, whereas other control surfaces like elevators, rudders, and flaps serve distinct roles related to pitch, yaw, and lift augmentation, respectively. Elevators control the pitch of the aircraft, rudders manage yaw, and flaps increase lift but do not involve differential actuation for directional control like ailerons do.