Deployable mass and sensor for improved missile control

Abstract

A flexible, aerodynamic inflatable nose fairing for use in combination with flat nosed canister-launched missiles having a wide, circular, cylindrical shape. The inflatable nose fairing is fabricated as a fiber-reinforced elastomeric membrane having a laminate construction which includes a silicone rubber inner or base layer as the gaseous pressure membrane or bladder, surrounded by two or more ply layers made up of resin-impregnated yarns. Also disclosed is a deployable mass assembly and sensor for providing improved missile control. The deployable mass assembly includes a telescoping actuator which is effective to provide stabilization control to the missile by shifting the center of gravity of the missile forwardly to compensate for a change in the center of pressure of the missile due to the change in length of the missile which occurs as the nose fairing is inflated into its deployed position.