Method and apparatus for planar actuation of a flared surface to control a vehicle

An apparatus for controlling a vehicle capable of moving through a fluid medium, the apparatus comprising:

• a flare;
• a planar yoke operably associated with the flare;
• and
• a plurality of actuators capable of moving the planar yoke to manipulate the flare through the operable association between the planar yoke and the flare;
• and
• a load bearing structure through which the planer yoke imparts a moment from the flare to the vehicle.

An apparatus for controlling a vehicle capable of moving through a fluid medium, the apparatus comprising:

• an attachment ring;
• a flare including
• at least one active petal;
• and
• means for structurally engaging the active petal to the attachment ring to permit the active petal to deflect relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle;
• an actuation mechanism, including:
• a planar yoke mechanism operably associated with the flare;
• and
• at least one of actuator capable of translating the planar yoke to manipulate the flare through the operable association therebetween;
• and
• a load bearing structure to which the attachment ring is mounted and through which the actuation mechanism imparts a moment from the flare to the vehicle.