What is the primary role of a "yaw damper"?

The primary role of a yaw damper is to reduce yawing motions and improve stability during flight. Yaw is the rotation of an aircraft around its vertical axis, and it affects how the aircraft behaves in response to changes in lift or wind conditions. A yaw damper helps to counteract unwanted yaw movements caused by various factors, such as asymmetrical thrust or turbulence, thus maintaining better control and enhancing the overall stability of the aircraft.

In doing so, it promotes smoother flight, especially during turns and when transitioning through varying air conditions. By minimizing these oscillations, the yaw damper contributes to a more comfortable ride for passengers and reduces pilot workload, allowing for more focused control of the aircraft.

While enhancing climb rates, reducing rolling motions, or maintaining altitude may be crucial aspects of flight dynamics, they are not the primary function of a yaw damper. Instead, the yaw damper specifically targets yaw stability, differentiating its role from those of other systems designed for different aspects of aircraft control.