Missile Control
The Control system changes the trajectory of the missile in response
to commands from the guidance system. The choice of control system will
depend on the use of the missile and the height at which it will operate.
There are two main types of control system used:
Aerodynamic
Aerodynamic change of flight path is obtained by using a wing at incidence
to the direction of flight. The wing is set at incidence in one of two
ways:
- By using a rotatable wing.
- By using a fixed wing, but a movable control surface to set the whole
missile at incidence. The control surfaces may be at the front or rear
of the missile.
Jet Reaction Forces
Change of flight path by jet reaction forces is achieved in one of two
ways:
- By altering the direction of thrust of the propulsion unit, either
by swivelling the whole unit, or by deflecting the gas stream by vanes
or similar devices.
- By the use of separate auxiliary jet reaction units.
