tailboom

A tailboom is a structural component of an aircraft, most commonly found on helicopters. Its primary purpose is to house and support the tail rotor, which counteracts the torque generated by the main rotor, preventing the fuselage from spinning uncontrollably. The tailboom also provides a mounting point for other essential components such as the tail rotor gearbox, the tail rotor drive shaft, and often the horizontal stabilizer and vertical fin. These latter aerodynamic surfaces further enhance directional stability and control.

The design of a tailboom varies depending on the aircraft. In helicopters, it typically extends rearward from the main cabin or fuselage. Its construction needs to be robust enough to withstand the forces exerted by the tail rotor and the overall stresses of flight. Materials used can include aluminum alloys, composite materials, or steel, chosen for their strength-to-weight ratio. In some fixed-wing aircraft designs, particularly those with twin vertical stabilizers mounted on the tail, these structures can also be referred to as tailbooms. Their function remains consistent: to provide a stable platform for the empennage and its associated control surfaces.