Which part of a helicopter is most affected by torque during flight?

The tail rotor is most affected by torque during flight because it serves the essential purpose of counteracting the torque produced by the main rotor blades. When the main rotors spin, they apply a twisting force that causes the helicopter's body to rotate in the opposite direction, a phenomenon described by Newton's third law of motion. To maintain stability and control, the tail rotor generates thrust that counters this torque, thus preventing the helicopter from yawing uncontrollably. By providing the necessary counterforce, the tail rotor helps stabilize the helicopter's orientation in flight, allowing for controlled maneuvering.

In contrast, the body of the helicopter is designed to withstand these forces but is not specifically responsible for managing torque. The main rotor blades experience lift and aerodynamic forces but do not directly address the torque effect on their own; rather, they initiate it. The cyclic controls are part of the pilot's inputs to adjust the rotor blades' pitch and change the helicopter's direction, but they do not deal with torque management directly. Thus, the tail rotor's unique role in torque compensation solidifies its position as the component most impacted by torque dynamics during helicopter operations.