Abstract:
A stability system for a vehicle moving through a fluid includes stabilizers each having a drive surface that follows the position of the fluid stream perceived by the vehicle. The movement of the drive surface positions control surfaces of the stabilizers, which are coupled to the drive surfaces by mechanical linkages. Lift forces on the drive surfaces provide the force that is used in positioning the control surfaces. The deflection of the control surfaces provides a force on the vehicle that affects stability of the vehicle, for instance in making an inherently unstable vehicle more stable. The stability system may work completely passively, without any active control, and without the need for power to operate it.