Which component is critical in ensuring that fuel does not flow backward in high 'G' conditions?

The flapper valves play a crucial role in ensuring that fuel does not flow backward during high 'G' conditions. These valves are designed to prevent fuel from returning to the tank when the aircraft experiences negative acceleration or changes in orientation. In high 'G' maneuvers, the forces acting on the fuel can cause it to move in unintended directions, potentially affecting the fuel feed to the engine. Flapper valves operate by allowing fuel to flow in one direction towards the engine while blocking it from flowing back, maintaining a consistent supply and preventing any disruptions in engine performance.

Other components like the fuel pump, baffles, and fuel filter, while important for the overall fuel system operation, do not specifically address the issue of backflow during high 'G' maneuvers. The fuel pump is primarily responsible for moving fuel from the tank to the engine, baffles help stabilize fuel during movement but do not prevent backflow directly, and the fuel filter's function is to remove contaminants from the fuel. None of these components are tailored to managing the backward flow of fuel under high-pressure conditions created by 'G' forces as effectively as the flapper valves.