dsc65666.jpg

View of the air rudder mounting plate on the tip of one of the tail unit's fins.

The air rudders, in conjunction with the carbon jet vanes located in the engine exhaust, were used to control the missile's attitude. During the early portion of the missile's flight, it was controlled by the jet vanes. When the missile reached a velocity sufficient for it to become aerodynamically stable, the air rudders took over the control function.

The air rudders and carbon vanes were driven by the same actuator assembly and turned simultaneously.

Note that the air rudders are attached only by a shaft near the top of the rudder; the shaft rides in the socket in the air rudder mounting plate.