What component of an autopilot system applies torque to the aircraft's control surfaces?

What component of an autopilot system applies torque to the aircraft's control surfaces?

• A. Control Wheel
• B. Servo
• C. Hydraulic Actuator
• D. Flight Control Computer

Answer: (B)

The servo is the component of an autopilot system that applies torque to the aircraft's control surfaces. It functions by converting electrical signals from the autopilot's flight control computer into mechanical motion. This motion is then used to move the control surfaces, such as ailerons, elevators, and rudders, to maintain the desired flight path and achieve the intended maneuvers. Typically, servos work alongside other components of the autopilot system, providing precise control over the aircraft's attitude, heading, and altitude. They are often equipped with feedback mechanisms to ensure accurate positioning and to respond appropriately to changes in the aircraft's flight conditions. By utilizing servos, the autopilot system can effectively manage aircraft control without pilot intervention, enhancing safety and reducing pilot workload during flight. The other components listed do not directly apply torque to the control surfaces in the same manner as the servo. The control wheel is used by pilots to input commands but does not actuate surfaces directly. Hydraulic actuators are used in some aircraft to move control surfaces but are controlled by the servo. The flight control computer processes data and makes decisions based on that data, directing the servo and actuators but does not physically apply torque itself.

The servo is the component of an autopilot system that applies torque to the aircraft's control surfaces. It functions by converting electrical signals from the autopilot's flight control computer into mechanical motion. This motion is then used to move the control surfaces, such as ailerons, elevators, and rudders, to maintain the desired flight path and achieve the intended maneuvers.

Typically, servos work alongside other components of the autopilot system, providing precise control over the aircraft's attitude, heading, and altitude. They are often equipped with feedback mechanisms to ensure accurate positioning and to respond appropriately to changes in the aircraft's flight conditions. By utilizing servos, the autopilot system can effectively manage aircraft control without pilot intervention, enhancing safety and reducing pilot workload during flight.

The other components listed do not directly apply torque to the control surfaces in the same manner as the servo. The control wheel is used by pilots to input commands but does not actuate surfaces directly. Hydraulic actuators are used in some aircraft to move control surfaces but are controlled by the servo. The flight control computer processes data and makes decisions based on that data, directing the servo and actuators but does not physically apply torque itself.