What is the main benefit of having a rudder in an aircraft?

The primary benefit of having a rudder in an aircraft is its role in controlling the yaw, which is the side-to-side movement of the aircraft's nose. The rudder is located on the vertical stabilizer and is used mainly to assist the pilot in maintaining coordinated flight, especially during turns and in response to any adverse yaw generated by the ailerons.

When an aircraft turns, the ailerons cause one wing to generate more lift and the other wing to generate less lift, which can cause the aircraft to yaw away from the turn. The rudder helps counteract this tendency by providing the necessary control to keep the aircraft's heading aligned with the turn. Consequently, the rudder ensures that the aircraft maintains a straight and coordinated flight path, enhancing overall stability and control, particularly in maneuvering situations. This makes maintaining straight flight and managing turns much smoother and safer for pilots.