Design of A Folding Tail Fin For A Tactical Missile

Abstract

Guided missiles are generally stored in missile canisters during storage, handling and transit up to missiles are fired. In system design perspective, the design requirements of missiles are defined beforehand and assigned. Due to space, weight, transportation, launch cell limitations, it is not possible to increase dimensions of missile canisters. Because of this reason, missile packaging is directly affected by canister dimensions. Since the missile extremities are defined by wing, canard, tail or control surfaces; It is necessary to fold those parts to fit into canisters while decreasing the space occupied. In this study design of a folding tail fin mechanism has been carried out. Details of design, analysis, manufacturing and test procedures will be examined.