What is the correct statement regarding torque effect on helicopters?

The torque effect on helicopters is a crucial aspect of rotorcraft dynamics. When a helicopter rotor blade spins in one direction, it creates a reaction torque that tends to rotate the helicopter in the opposite direction, in order to conserve angular momentum according to Newton's third law of motion. This means that if the main rotor is rotating clockwise, the fuselage and tail of the helicopter will want to rotate counterclockwise, leading to the statement that the torque direction is opposite to the direction of rotor blade rotation.

This characteristic requires pilots to employ anti-torque devices such as the tail rotor, which counteracts the tendency of the helicopter to spin in the opposite direction of the rotor blades. Understanding the mechanics of this torque effect is essential for maintaining control and stability during flight operations.