What component provides the mechanical advantage for the tail rotor gearbox in the TH-73A?

What component provides the mechanical advantage for the tail rotor gearbox in the TH-73A?

• A. Free spinner
• B. Sprag clutch
• C. Gear assembly
• D. Transmission gearbox

Answer: (B)

The sprag clutch is a crucial component that provides mechanical advantage for the tail rotor gearbox in the TH-73A. Its primary function is to engage and disengage the transmission of torque to the tail rotor in a way that allows for smoother operation and improved efficiency. When the main rotor spins, the sprag clutch enables the tail rotor to be driven selectively, allowing it to operate optimally under various flight conditions. This characteristic of the sprag clutch is fundamental in managing the direction and pressure of torque delivered to the tail rotor. By doing so, it helps maintain stability and control of the helicopter during flight, especially during maneuvers that involve changes in rotor speed or direction. Components such as the free spinner and gear assembly serve different functions within the helicopter's system and do not directly provide the mechanical advantage in the same manner as the sprag clutch. The transmission gearbox itself also plays a role in torque distribution but is not specifically the component that offers the mechanical advantage for controlling the tail rotor’s engagement with the power supplied. Thus, the sprag clutch's design and operational principles make it the correct answer to this question.

The sprag clutch is a crucial component that provides mechanical advantage for the tail rotor gearbox in the TH-73A. Its primary function is to engage and disengage the transmission of torque to the tail rotor in a way that allows for smoother operation and improved efficiency. When the main rotor spins, the sprag clutch enables the tail rotor to be driven selectively, allowing it to operate optimally under various flight conditions.

This characteristic of the sprag clutch is fundamental in managing the direction and pressure of torque delivered to the tail rotor. By doing so, it helps maintain stability and control of the helicopter during flight, especially during maneuvers that involve changes in rotor speed or direction.

Components such as the free spinner and gear assembly serve different functions within the helicopter's system and do not directly provide the mechanical advantage in the same manner as the sprag clutch. The transmission gearbox itself also plays a role in torque distribution but is not specifically the component that offers the mechanical advantage for controlling the tail rotor’s engagement with the power supplied. Thus, the sprag clutch's design and operational principles make it the correct answer to this question.