Folding tail fins

• US 3,946,969 A
• Filed: 07/30/1974
• Issued: 03/30/1976
• Est. Priority Date: 07/30/1974
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army
• Original Assignee: The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army
• Inventors: Howlett, Donald E., Marburger, Ivan L., Nagel, Lawrence J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Pendegrass, Verlin R.
• Application Number:
  US05/493,005
• Time in Patent Office: 609 Days
• Field of Search: 244/3.27, 244/3.28
• US Class Current: 244/3.28
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 10/14 using fins spread or deployed after launch, e.g. after leaving the barrel

Abstract

A rocket having flip out tail fins with cooperating surfaces on said fins d the rear of said rocket to maintain said fins in extended position. Spring means for urging said cooperating surfaces into engagement with each other.

Claims

1. A flip out tail assembly for a missile comprising a ring adjacent the rear end of the missile,

bolts mounting said ring for axial movement relative to said missile,

spring means between said ring and the heads of said bolts normally urging said ring forward relative to said missile,

four fins hinged to said ring equidistant therearound,

a shroud assembly fixed to the missile having four longitudinal slots formed therein through which the fins are adapted to project,

lug means on each of said fins adjacent the hinge point,

flat surfaces on the rear portion of said missile for cooperation with said lug means whereby forward movement of said ring causes said fins to move outwardly and lock in extended position.

2. A flip out tail assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the spring means between said ring and said bolt heads are Belleville type spring washers.