Which device dampens wind and turbulence as part of the yaw control?

• A. Smart Electro-Mechanical Actuator (SEMA)
• B. Gyroscope
• C. Tail Rotor
• D. Hydraulic Pump

Answer: (A)

Yaw control relies on actively reducing unwanted turning motions caused by wind and turbulence. To actually dull those disturbances, you need an actuator that can quickly move the tail surface in the opposite direction of the yaw moment, forming a closed-loop dampening system. A Smart Electro-Mechanical Actuator is designed for this role: it integrates sensing, control, and actuation so it can receive input from rate sensors and then deflect the tail surface with precise, rapid commands. This counteracts the disturbance and smooths out yaw oscillations, effectively dampening wind and turbulence.

A gyroscope, while essential for detecting rotation, does not by itself damp motion. The tail rotor provides the thrust to create yaw, not the damping function. The hydraulic pump supplies power to actuators but isn’t the damping element on its own.