How does the rudder contribute to coordinated flight?

The rudder plays a crucial role in coordinated flight by helping to maintain balance during turns. When an aircraft turns, it experiences differential thrust and banking, which can lead to adverse yaw. The ailerons induce a roll, but this can cause the aircraft to yaw away from the direction of the turn. The rudder counteracts this yawing motion, aligning the aircraft's nose with the turn and ensuring that the airplane flies in a straight path along the new heading. This coordination helps prevent skidding or slipping during the turn, providing a smooth and balanced flight experience.

The other options, while they describe various functions and effects related to flight, do not correctly represent the role of the rudder. The rudder does not primarily contribute to decreasing overall drag, increasing lift, or enhancing engine thrust; those aspects are more associated with other control surfaces and aerodynamic principles. Instead, the primary function of the rudder is to assist in maintaining directional control and coordination, especially during maneuvers like turns.