Which component of an autopilot system applied torque to the control surfaces of the aircraft?

Which component of an autopilot system applied torque to the control surfaces of the aircraft?

• A. Servo
• B. Gyro
• C. Transmitter
• D. Antenna

Answer: (A)

An autopilot moves the aircraft by driving the control surfaces with an actuator. The device that actually applies the torque to deflect the surfaces is the servo. It takes the autopilot’s command signal and uses a small motor and gear train to produce the physical force that moves the ailerons, elevator, or rudder. A feedback mechanism lets the system know the surface angle and corrects as needed, so the commanded position is maintained. Gyros provide orientation or rate information and don’t move the surfaces. Transmitters and antennas are for sending and receiving signals, not for applying mechanical torque to control surfaces.

An autopilot moves the aircraft by driving the control surfaces with an actuator. The device that actually applies the torque to deflect the surfaces is the servo. It takes the autopilot’s command signal and uses a small motor and gear train to produce the physical force that moves the ailerons, elevator, or rudder. A feedback mechanism lets the system know the surface angle and corrects as needed, so the commanded position is maintained.

Gyros provide orientation or rate information and don’t move the surfaces. Transmitters and antennas are for sending and receiving signals, not for applying mechanical torque to control surfaces.