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Q:

Do some helicopters use the exhaust as a tail rotor?

A:

The exhaust on helicopters is located under the main rotor, right above the cabin. 

It's not powerful enough to create thrust, or strong enought to control the torque of the craft. As such, it is not used to help the helicopter function. The helicopter must rely on its main rotor to provide the thrust it needs while the tail rotor controls the torque reaction from the main rotor.

Ask an Explainer
Posted on September 7, 2014 at 2:13 pm
Categories:
Flight Dynamics
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