Patent ID: 7475846

Claim:
A fin deployment mechanism for a guided projectile comprising: a first fin having an aerodynamic control surface, the fin being movable from a retracted position to an extended position; an actuator mechanism for controlling movement of the fin during flight of the projectile; a telescoping shaft having a first end, the base of the fin being connected with the first end of the telescoping shaft; a biasing mechanism for biasing the telescoping shaft toward the extended position; and a latch mechanism for selectively securing the telescoping shaft in the retracted position; wherein the actuator mechanism is operable to release the latch mechanism allowing the fin to move to the extended position, and the actuator mechanism is operable to manipulate the fin for guidance of the projectile during flight, further comprising a second fin having an aerodynamic control surface; wherein the telescoping shaft comprises: a first tube, and a second tube fitted telescopically within the first tube; wherein the first fin is connected with an end of the first tube and the second fin connected with an opposing end of the second tube; and wherein the biasing mechanism applies an axial, outward force between the first tube and the second tube for telescopically extending the shaft.