Which force developed by rotor blades acts parallel to the relative wind and opposes drag and weight?

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Multiple Choice

Which force developed by rotor blades acts parallel to the relative wind and opposes drag and weight?

Explanation:
Thrust. The rotor blades push air downward, and the reaction on the helicopter is an upward force along the rotor axis. This thrust is what counters the weight of the helicopter and, in effect, acts in a direction aligned with the airflow through the rotor (the relative wind), providing the vertical support needed to hover or climb. Lift, in contrast, acts perpendicular to the relative wind; drag acts parallel to the relative wind and resists motion through the air; torque is the twisting force in the drivetrain.

Thrust. The rotor blades push air downward, and the reaction on the helicopter is an upward force along the rotor axis. This thrust is what counters the weight of the helicopter and, in effect, acts in a direction aligned with the airflow through the rotor (the relative wind), providing the vertical support needed to hover or climb. Lift, in contrast, acts perpendicular to the relative wind; drag acts parallel to the relative wind and resists motion through the air; torque is the twisting force in the drivetrain.

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