<P> A rudder is a primary control surface used to steer a ship , boat , submarine , hovercraft , aircraft , or other conveyance that moves through a fluid medium ( generally air or water ) . On an aircraft the rudder is used primarily to counter adverse yaw and p - factor and is not the primary control used to turn the airplane . A rudder operates by redirecting the fluid past the hull ( watercraft ) or fuselage , thus imparting a turning or yawing motion to the craft . In basic form , a rudder is a flat plane or sheet of material attached with hinges to the craft 's stern , tail , or after end . Often rudders are shaped so as to minimize hydrodynamic or aerodynamic drag . On simple watercraft , a tiller -- essentially , a stick or pole acting as a lever arm -- may be attached to the top of the rudder to allow it to be turned by a helmsman . In larger vessels , cables , pushrods , or hydraulics may be used to link rudders to steering wheels . In typical aircraft , the rudder is operated by pedals via mechanical linkages or hydraulics . </P>
<P> A rudder is a primary control surface used to steer a ship , boat , submarine , hovercraft , aircraft , or other conveyance that moves through a fluid medium ( generally air or water ) . On an aircraft the rudder is used primarily to counter adverse yaw and p - factor and is not the primary control used to turn the airplane . A rudder operates by redirecting the fluid past the hull ( watercraft ) or fuselage , thus imparting a turning or yawing motion to the craft . In basic form , a rudder is a flat plane or sheet of material attached with hinges to the craft 's stern , tail , or after end . Often rudders are shaped so as to minimize hydrodynamic or aerodynamic drag . On simple watercraft , a tiller -- essentially , a stick or pole acting as a lever arm -- may be attached to the top of the rudder to allow it to be turned by a helmsman . In larger vessels , cables , pushrods , or hydraulics may be used to link rudders to steering wheels . In typical aircraft , the rudder is operated by pedals via mechanical linkages or hydraulics . </P>
what does a rudder do on a boat
what does a rudder do on a boat
allow it to be turned by a helmsman
allow it to be turned by a helmsman