Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Workload; Confusion; Time Pressure
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; Flight Crew Rejected Takeoff; Flight Crew Returned To Gate; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
Captain's (CA) departure; noted right bottom rudder failed to test first time during flight control check but tested second time but felt stiff according to CA. During takeoff roll CA rejected takeoff at 130 knots (V1 was 133) and we cleared the runway and complied with the appropriate checklists. CA indicated that rudder felt stiff initially and then was almost non-responsive when speed was increasing.Possible hydraulic issue with rudder.
MD-11 First Officer reported a high speed rejected takeoff due to an apparent unresponsive rudder.