Self-deploying airfoil for missile or the like

Abstract

A self-deploying airfoil for a missile or the like of the type that is launched from a launch tube, the airfoil being formed of a flexible and resilient material and being movable by its own resilience from a stowed position in close proximity to the exterior surface of the missile when it is in the launch tube to a deployed position when the missile leaves the launch tube wherein it extends outwardly from the missile to provide lift and stabilize the flight of the missile. The airfoil comprises in its deployed position a first panel extending laterally outwardly from both sides of the missile and being secured at its midportion to an adjacent exterior surface of the missile, a pair of second panels secured at their outer ends to the outer end of the first panel and extending inwardly toward the missile, and a third panel secured at its midportion to an adjacent exterior surface of the missile opposite the first panel. The third panel extends laterally outwardly from both sides of the missile and is connected to the inner ends of the second panels. The third panel has end portions in engagement with the first panel to stabilize the airfoil. In the stowed position of the airfoil, the first panel is folded over the second panels which are, in turn, folded over the third panel in close proximity to the exterior surface of the missile to enable it to be positioned in the launch tube.