Fin deployment system

摘要

A projectile having a fin deployment system disposed about its circumference. The fins are initially contained by a fin cover that is removed by aerodynamic force. The fins are then rotated around a rotational axis parallel to and offset from the central axial axis of the projectile body by the centrifugal forces created by the rotation of the projectile as the projectile passes through a barrel of a gun system or tube launcher. The fin deployment system can also have locking systems that lock the fins in the deployed position and prevent the fins from rotating back into the retracted position after deployment.

主权项

1. A fin deployment system for a projectile comprising
a plurality of fins rotatable along a rotational axis parallel to and offset from the central axial axis of a projectile body, wherein each fin is rotatable around the rotational axis between a retracted position and a deployed position, rotation to the deployed position occurs only from the centrifugal forces generated by the spinning of the projectile; a cylindrical mount assembly defining a plurality of axial channels each aligning with the offset rotational axis of a corresponding fin; said cylindrical mount assembly having a solid interior face for defining a central opening and wrapping around the circumference of the aft end of the projectile so that the cylindrical mount assembly remains independent of the projectile; a fin cover positioned over the fins and cylindrical mount assembly when the fins are positioned in the retracted position, and wherein the fin cover slidably engages the cylindrical mount so that as the projectile exits a tube or a gun barrel, aerodynamic drag separates the fin cover from the projectile; said fin cover having a tubular shape so as not to block the aft end of the projectile; and wherein said fin cover completely covers each fin to prevent rotation of the barrel within the axial channel until the fin cover is removed and the fin cover includes axial indentations on an outer face for placement of a vent to equalize the pressure between the fin cover and the cylindrical mount assembly during operation.