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.