SELECTIVELY ROTATABLE AND TORSIONALLY FLEXIBLE AERODYNAMIC CONTROL APPARATUS

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an aerodynamic control system which is attachable to an aircraft body and is operable between enhanced control and radar evasive modes. The aerodynamic control system is provided with an aerodynamic support structure which extends from the aircraft body. The support structure is rotatably attached to the aircraft body about a support structure rotational axis. The support structure has an outboard support and an inboard support which is disposed adjacent the aircraft body. The aerodynamic control system is further provided with an elongate torque member which extends from the aircraft body. The torque member has a torque rotational axis which is co-linear with the support structure rotational axis. The torque member further has an outboard end which is fixedly attached to the outboard support of the support structure. In the normal fight mode the inboard and outboard supports cooperatively rotate in response to rotation of the torque member. In the radar evasive mode the outboard support rotates relative to the inboard support in response to rotation of the torque member, thereby altering the aerodynamic characteristics of the aerodynamic control system for aircraft control.