Do the anti-torque pedals utilize a fly by wire design?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Depends on the model

Answer: (B)

The anti-torque pedals in a helicopter, including those in the TH-73A, do not utilize a fly-by-wire design. Instead, they operate through traditional mechanical linkages that connect the pilot's inputs directly to the control mechanisms of the helicopter's tail rotor.

Fly-by-wire systems, which use electronic controls to manage the aircraft's movements, are generally found in more advanced aircraft designs that integrate digital inputs from the pilot to ensure precise control and system redundancy. However, in the case of anti-torque pedals, the reliance on direct mechanical feedback provides necessary tactile responsiveness and simplicity in controlling the tail rotor's thrust to counteract the torque produced by the main rotor. This system has been long established in rotorcraft for its reliability and pilot control effectiveness.

Understanding this distinction helps clarify the operation and control mechanisms employed in helicopters like the TH-73A, reinforcing why they utilize a more traditional approach rather than a fly-by-wire system for the anti-torque functionality.