Raytheon Company

William M Hatalsky

Andrew B Facciano

Wayne Lee Sunne

Gary H Johnson

Christopher P Owan

Stephen D Haight

Aszetta D Jordan

Gregory A Mitchell

Sean A Johnson

A retractable thrust vector control system () for a rocket motor () that can generate an exhaust plume comprises at least one control vane () connectable to an attitude control assembly () that rotates the vane () about a control axis (). The system also includes a retraction mechanism () for withdrawing the control vane () along the control axis () from an extended position at least partially within a path of a rocket exhaust plume and a retracted position substantially out of a path of a rocket exhaust plume.

Retractable thrust vector control vane system and method

Accordingly, a shaft assembly for coupling a control fin to a missile includes outer and inner shaft portions which are detachably coupled together, allowing removal of one of the shaft portions while the other shaft portion remains in the missile. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner shaft portion, to which the control fin is coupled, is removable. The shaft assembly includes a pair of preload nuts to adjust the position of the control fin relative to the skin of the missile, the preload nuts being for example engaged on opposite threaded ends of the outer shaft portion.

Output shaft assembly for a missile control actuation unit

A jet vane control system and method for a missile in which the system is compact, rugged, lightweight and detachably connected to the aft end of a missile. The system provides for very quick pitch over and roll control during launch. The system then detaches from the missile so as not to burden the missile during its flight to target. The vanes of the system are divided into quadrants, each having its own, mounting support and gear train assembly. Each vane is also connected through a, detachable coupling to the steering control system of the missile such that actuation of the steering control system simultaneously actuates the jet vane control system.

Missile jet vane control system and method

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Tucson, AZ, United States of America

William M Hatalsky