Raytheon Company

John D Willems, Jr

John F Bugge

Erik A Fjerstad

Thomas A Black

Robert W Von Mayr

David J Reyes

Robert W Vonmayr

By removing the aerodynamic fin forces from the fin lock mechanism, achieved by actuating the fin control system to apply a controlled force that counters the aerodynamic forces acting on the control fins, the system can reduce the transmission of aerodynamic forces onto the fin lock mechanism, which makes the fin lock mechanism easier to unlock with less force. Accordingly, a method for unlocking a fin lock mechanism that releasably holds one or more missile control fins in a locked position, where the control fins are prevented from rotating, includes the steps of (i) applying an alternating positive and negative rotational force to a control fin; (ii) monitoring the position of the control fin during the applying step; and (iii) while the position of the control fin does not exceed a predetermined value, repeating the applying step for a predetermined number of times or for a predetermined period.

Fin buzz system and method for assisting in unlocking a missile fin lock mechanism

A fin lock assemblyfor locking and unlocking missile finsincludes a pistonmovable along a piston axisbetween a locked position for preventing a fin from rotating and an unlocked position for allowing the fin to rotate. The fin lock assembly includes a camshaftrotatable between a locked position and a relatively-rotated unlocked position about a cam axisthat is transverse the piston axis. The camshaft has an eccentric portionconnected to the piston such that rotation of the camshaft between the locked position and the unlocked position moves the piston between its corresponding locked and unlocked positions. The fin lock assembly includes a torsion springconnected to the camshaft to bias the camshaft toward its unlocked position. A latch mechanismholds a plurality of camshafts in their locked positions and simultaneously releases the camshafts to release their fins.

Resettable missile control fin lock assembly

Growing community of inventors

Tucson, AZ, United States of America

John D Willems, Jr