Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing an articulated folding wing assembly in a fully extended position by means of a tapered locking plunger urged by a coiled compression spring to contact a complementary mating surface formed on the wing assembly. The spring urged locking plunger is released from a retracted position by rotation of the wing assembly from the folded position to the extended position. A folding mechanism for rotating the wing assembly through a compound angle from the folded position to a rigid and positively locked fully extended position is provided wherein the extended wing may be rotated about its longitudinal axis to provide directional control to the vehicle.

Abstract: A joint having no external protrusions consisting of the mating cylindrical nds of two tubular members joined by interlocking cogs on the male and female ends of the tubular members, and a pair of facing ramp surfaced rings disposed in the joint with one ring integral with or affixed immovably to the male end of one tubular member, the other ring rotatably disposed upon that same member within the joint so that when the movable ring is rotated by means of a spanner wrench or equivalent tool relative to the stationary ring, the juxtaposed ramp surfaces ride upon each other causing the movable ring to move axially relative to but in continuing contact with the stationary ring until contact with the female end of the other tubular member in the joint is established and the joint is thereby made rigid.

Abstract: An improved fin attachment having a socket for reception of a tang mounted n a missile fin, an element for drawing the tang into the socket, and frusto-conical concentric rings which engage the tang and the socket to connect them rigidly in a predetermined angular relation. All elements of the attachment are retained so as not to be lost when the fin is detached, and the attachment provides effective connection without the use of complex shapes or precise manufacturing tolerances.