What is tail boom?

A tail boom is a section of an aircraft or helicopter that extends aft from the fuselage and supports the tail assembly. The tail boom typically houses the tail rotor shaft, tail rotor gearbox, and tail rotor blades (in helicopters) or the vertical and horizontal stabilizers (in fixed-wing aircraft).

In helicopters, the tail boom plays a critical role in controlling the aircraft's yaw (left and right movement) by varying the angle of the tail rotor blades. The tail rotor provides a counter-torque to the main rotor, preventing the aircraft from spinning in the opposite direction. The tail boom also houses the control mechanisms for the pitch of the tail rotor blades, allowing the pilot to control the aircraft's direction.

Tail booms are typically made of lightweight materials such as aluminum, titanium, or composite materials, to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency. They may also include structural features such as reinforced ribs or stringers to improve stability and strength.