Lead and acme screws are used for various linear motion control applications, ranging from syringe pumps to pan-and-tilt systems for security cameras. However, one of the more exciting applications of these screws involves their use for driving the fin actuation that guides a missile to its target.
In this application, precision miniature screws are used to position the sighting mechanism that identifies and acquires the target while maneuvering at high speeds. The miniature screws also provide the actuation that controls the missile fins, guiding the missile’s flight. The fins are the missile’s wings. Some missiles also have actual wings. Using these screws to position wings and fins enables fine positioning and control to maximize speed and minimize drag during transonic and supersonic flight. In addition to directing the missile, screws are used to raise missile-launching systems and deploy sighting, range-finding, and antenna equipment.
Precision-engineered miniature screws replace the hydraulic and pneumatic actuators formerly used for this purpose. Each screw assembly converts torque to thrust as the screw or nut turns to move the other component in a linear direction. Because the screw mechanism eliminates sliding friction and stick-slip, it requires little or no maintenance besides initial lubrication.
These screws automatically minimize the power required to drive missile-fin actuation because of their high efficiency. The size and weight of the fin drive transmission are also reduced, making miniature screws a better option for small missiles and targeted munitions.
Precision-engineered miniature lead and acme screws, like those produced by Helix Linear Technologies, provide many advantages when used for missile fin actuation over traditional linear motion control systems.
Key advantages of using Helix miniature lead screws for this application include:
When you need to support a sophisticated linear motion control application like driving a missile fin actuation system, Helix Linear Technologies can provide you with advanced, precision-engineered lead screws to do the job. Helix offers a wide array of standard plastic nut assemblies in anti-backlash or traditional nut designs. Helix zero-backlash nut designs offer assemblies with high axial stiffness, zero backlashes, and the absolute minimum drag torque.
This case study includes more information about how lead screws drive missile fin actuation systems and more detailed application cut-aways.