Abstract: A fin retention and deployment mechanism that has the advantage of providing for the deployment of aerodynamic control surfaces on command without the need for an additional actuation device or control circuitry separate from the actuator that controls the angle of the fins during flight. The actuator that is already required for operation of the control surfaces after deployment initiates the deployment of the fins, as well. A latch mechanism comprises a retaining member and a lath, which engages the retaining member enabling a biasing mechanism to force the fins from a stowed position to a fully deployed position.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a roll damping apparatus for a spinning projectile having a first section and a second section rotatably attached about a roll axis. The roll damping apparatus comprises a first portion attached to the front section, and a second portion attached to the rear section. The first portion is adapted to cause a braking frictional force to act on the second portion, the braking force being effective to control the spin rate of the front section relative to the rear section. The invention further relates to a spinning projectile having a roll damping apparatus.