Ram-Air-Spoiler Roll Stabilization Device for Forward-Control Cruciform Missiles

An experimental investigation has been made at supersonic Mach numbers to determine the feasibility of using a ram-air-spoiler roll control device on a typical canard control missile configuration. As a basis for roll control comparisons, conventional aileron controls on the tail fins were also tested. Results are presented which indicate that the addition of nacelles on the missile tail fins resulted in satisfactory roll control effectiveness and only small changes in basic missile stability. The ram-air-spoiler roll control effectiveness is relatively constant over the range of vehicle attitudes and Mach numbers investigated.