Definition
A force or control system on a helicopter that counteracts the rotational reaction produced by the main rotor. Because the main rotor spins one direction, the fuselage tends to rotate the opposite direction; antitorque opposes that tendency, most commonly through a tail rotor (or alternatives such as NOTAR or fenestron systems).
Plain English
The force that stops a helicopter's body from spinning the opposite way to its main rotor. Without it, the helicopter would simply rotate in place.
Context Anchor
Seen in helicopter control discussions, especially when describing pedal control, tail rotor action, and what may happen during a servo or control-system failure.
Derivation
From 'anti-' (against) and 'torque' (a twisting force). So 'antitorque' literally means 'against the twisting force' — exactly what it does to the rotational reaction caused by the main rotor.
Why Pilots Care
Loss of antitorque control (for example, a tail rotor failure) causes the helicopter fuselage to spin uncontrollably. Recognizing and managing antitorque issues is a core helicopter emergency skill.
Grounding Statement
When the main rotor tries to twist the helicopter body one way, antitorque pushes back so the nose stays under control.
Intuition Check
Antitorque does not mean removing torque from the main rotor. It means counteracting the twisting effect that torque has on the helicopter body.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot pressed the left pedal to add antitorque input and keep the nose straight during the hover.
Example Sentence 2
A servo failure affecting antitorque response required the pilot to reduce power and land immediately.