Fin and cover release system

Apparatus for releasing and jettisoning a cover mounted over a slot in the skin of a missile, which slot contains at least one control fin, in order that the fin may be deployed externally of the missile after launch to control the missile flight path, said apparatus comprising:

• a centrally mounted, axially movable spool member mounted for limited movement along the missile longitudinal axis between a first, rest position and a second, elevated position;
• a latch control assembly including a pivotable latch member having an outer end and an inner end;
• the outer end having a hook for releasable coupling to a mating latch element mounted on the inner surface of the cover;
• the inner end being shaped to engage the centrally mounted, axially movable spool member, the movement of the spool member from its rest position to its elevated position serving to pivot the latch member between a latch position in which the outer end of the latch member engages the cover latch element to retain the cover in a closed sealing position against the missile skin and a release position in which the cover is released and driven outwardly to begin external deployment of the fin;
• a pyrotechnic device coupled to propel the spool member out of its rest position upon activation of the pyrotechnic device, the propulsion of the spool member toward its elevated position serving to begin the fin deployment procedure;
• and
• a housing mounted to support the elements of said apparatus within the missile.