What is the function of Pitch Control Rods in the main rotor system?

• A. Absorb rotor head loads
• B. Transmit all movement of the flight controls from the rotating swashplate to the main rotor blades
• C. Provide anti-flap
• D. Support tail rotor

Answer: (B)

Pitch control rods are the linkage that carries the pilot’s commands from the swashplate to the rotor blades. The swashplate, which rotates with the rotor mast, translates cyclic and collective inputs into changes in blade pitch, and the pitch control rods push or pull on each blade’s pitch horn to set those pitch angles as the blades rotate. This is how the rotor disc tilts for maneuvering and how lift is changed uniformly when needed. Other components handle absorbing loads, anti-flap functions, or supporting the tail rotor, but the rods’ specific role is to transmit the control movements from the rotating swashplate to the main rotor blades.