System for guiding a flying object towards a target

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for guiding of a projectile towards a target and a projectile for carrying out the system. The projectile has means for guiding the projectile towards a desired target, e.g. by means of control signal from a target seeker. In a given point of the projectile trajectory blades or wings are swung-out from the projectile body, which blades in swung-out position are shaped as a propeller so that they are driven by the stream of air passing the projectile. In order to guide the projectile towards the target in the final phase of the trajectory the said blades are then adjusted in dependence upon the control signal from the target seeker. In one embodiment, in which the blades are rotatably journalled on the projectile body, the rotational axis of the blades is set in a given angle relative to the length axis of the projectile. This oblique setting between the rotational axis and length axis then will produce a desired force in lateral direction on the projectile. In other embodiments the blade angle, i.e. the angle between the length axis of each individual blade and the rotational axis, or the angle of incidence, i.e. the angular setting of each individual blade around its own length axis, is varied periodically in rhythm with the rotation of the blades in space.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.