A control system for a missile includes a plurality of control surfaces that can be arrayed across a surface of the missile body, and a controller connected to the control surfaces to selectively move the control surfaces between an aerodynamic stowed position where the control surfaces conform to the surface of the body, and a deployed control position removed from the aerodynamic stowed position where the control surfaces extend from the surface of the body to interact with airflow over the body. The control surfaces are made of a material that includes a shape-memory alloy. Heating the control surfaces causes the shape-memory alloy to move the control surfaces from the aerodynamic stowed position to the deployed control position. By selectively extending and retracting the control surfaces, the control system provides the ability to control the missile's direction of travel or to reduce roll about a longitudinal axis of the body.


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    Title :

    Shape memory alloy micro-aero control surfaces


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    2018-01-30


    Type of media :

    Patent


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English


    Classification :

    IPC:    F42B EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING , Explosive Ladungen, z.B. für Sprengungen / B64C AEROPLANES , Flugzeuge




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