What is the main purpose of a servo in an autopilot system?

What is the main purpose of a servo in an autopilot system?

• A. Move flaps to adjust lift
• B. Apply torque to the designed flying surfaces
• C. Sense aircraft attitude
• D. Provide electrical power to avionics

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that a servo in an autopilot system is an actuator that turns electrical commands into physical movement of the aircraft’s control surfaces. It provides the torque needed to deflect the surfaces such as the elevator, ailerons, and rudder, letting the autopilot shape the airplane’s attitude and flight path. Sensors determine how the aircraft is oriented, and the autopilot sends a signal to the servo to move the surfaces to the desired position. This role is different from sensing attitude or supplying power to avionics, and while servos can work with flaps, their primary purpose is to move the control surfaces to achieve the commanded flight attitude.

The main idea is that a servo in an autopilot system is an actuator that turns electrical commands into physical movement of the aircraft’s control surfaces. It provides the torque needed to deflect the surfaces such as the elevator, ailerons, and rudder, letting the autopilot shape the airplane’s attitude and flight path. Sensors determine how the aircraft is oriented, and the autopilot sends a signal to the servo to move the surfaces to the desired position. This role is different from sensing attitude or supplying power to avionics, and while servos can work with flaps, their primary purpose is to move the control surfaces to achieve the commanded flight attitude.