Definition
A small electric motor designed to apply a steady twisting force (torque) to hold or rotate a component into a precise position rather than to spin continuously at speed. In a remote indicating compass system, a torque motor inside the heading indicator receives correction signals from the magnetic flux valve and gently rotates the compass card so the displayed heading stays aligned with magnetic north.
Plain English
An electric motor whose job is to twist something into the right position and hold it there, instead of spinning around like a fan motor.
Context Anchor
Seen in remote indicating compass and heading indicator discussions, especially when the system explains how a remote magnetic sensor keeps the cockpit heading display corrected.
Derivation
Torque comes from the Latin torquere, meaning 'to twist.' A torque motor is named for what it produces — twisting force — rather than for spinning speed, which is what most motors are built for.
Why Pilots Care
Keeps the heading indicator synchronized with magnetic north so the pilot maintains accurate directional reference without constant manual resetting.
Intuition Check
Do not think of this as an engine-like motor that simply spins a shaft continuously. In this context, it is a small control device that applies just enough turning force to correct the compass indication.
Example Sentence 1
The flux valve senses magnetic north and sends a signal to the torque motor, which rotates the compass card to match.
Example Sentence 2
A failed torque motor allows the directional gyro to drift away from the correct magnetic heading during flight.