Abstract: A canard includes a first section and a second section. The first section is configured for the coupling of radial forces to a fuselage of an air vehicle, and the first section is coupled to the second section via a hinge somewhere along the radial extent of the canard. An edge of the first section near the hinge provides a load support for the air vehicle within a launch canister.

Abstract: A canard includes a first section and a second section. The first section is configured for the coupling of radial forces to a fuselage of an air vehicle, and the first section is coupled to the second section via a hinge somewhere along the radial extent of the canard. An edge of the first section near the hinge provides a load support for the air vehicle within a launch canister.

Abstract: A controlled-expansion structure has a controlled thermal expansion along a control axis extending between two marker locations over a temperature range. The controlled-expansion structure includes a first expansion element having a first marker location and a first contact surface, the first expansion element having a first coefficient of thermal expansion; and a second expansion element having a second marker location and a second contact surface. The second expansion element has a second coefficient of thermal expansion different from the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The controlled-expansion structure further includes a freely movable interface formed by a contact between the first contact surface and the second contact surface. The interface is oriented at an interface angle relative to the control axis of greater than 0 but less than 90 degrees.