Which component of the empennage is the largest portion that houses the rudder?

The vertical stabilizer is the component of the empennage that is the largest portion housing the rudder. This vertical surface rises above the horizontal stabilizer and plays a crucial role in providing stability and control to an aircraft. It helps maintain directional stability by preventing unwanted yaw, which is the left or right movement of the aircraft's nose. The rudder, which is hinged to the vertical stabilizer, is used to control yaw and assist during turns.

The horizontal stabilizer, while also a critical part of the empennage, is responsible for pitch control and houses the elevator, not the rudder. The elevator is the control surface on the horizontal stabilizer that allows an aircraft to climb or descend. Lastly, the fuselage is the main body of the aircraft and does not house the rudder, although it connects all aircraft components including the empennage.