Aircraft, missile, projectile or underwater vehicle with improved control system and method of using

摘要

The present invention relates to an aircraft, missile, projectile or underwater vehicle with an improved control system, an improved control system and a method of maneuvering an aircraft, missile, projectile or underwater vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to an aircraft, missile, projectile or underwater vehicle with control surfaces that are movable along a track. The present invention further relates to a method of controlling a aircraft, missile, projectile or underwater vehicle using such a control system. One of the technical advantages of the control system on a track (or “tracked control surface”) over other aircraft, missile, projectile or underwater vehicle control systems is that the tracked control surface system enables the aircraft, missile, projectile or underwater vehicle to have an unlimited number of configurations, each configuration being tailored to the specific stability or maneuverability requirements during a specific portion of the flight.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
maneuvering an aircraft, missile, projectile or underwater vehicle by sensing a condition which requires a change in the center of pressure or a change in the static or dynamic stability of the aircraft, missile, projectile or underwater vehicle with at least one sensor having an output; and moving a control surface along a track positioned on the aircraft, missile, projectile or underwater vehicle's body wherein the moving of the control surface is performed by a control system based in part on the output of the at least one sensor.