Kalibr cruise missile

[jhill9693]

These things are currently getting fired at Ukraine

I see a sustainer and a booster, a configuration similar to the US Tomahawk cruise missile.

But what are those… things on the rear of the booster?! And what is their function?




WaPo identifies them as “stabilizers,” is this true? How does that work aerodynamically?

 

[heada]

Don't know for sure but I would not be surprised if they're grid fins.

 

[aerostadt]

Those are grid fins. Russians used grid fins on their moon rocket N-1 on the first stage. I believe Space-X uses grid fins on the forward end of the Falcon-9 booster. By turning the grid fins the rocket can be guided. As I recall Falcon-9 has the booster grid fins folded up during ascent. When the booster flies back for landing the grid fins are unfolded and help guide the rocket during re-entry. As I recall grid fins can be used in supersonic flight.

 

[rharshberger]

Those are grid fins. Russians used grid fins on their moon rocket N-1 on the first stage. I believe Space-X uses grid fins on the forward end of the Falcon-9 booster. By turning the grid fins the rocket can be guided. As I recall Falcon-9 has the booster grid fins folded up during ascent. When the booster flies back for landing the grid fins are unfolded and help guide the rocket during re-entry. As I recall grid fins can be used in supersonic flight.

In addition to what Aerostadt said, the booster is only attached for a very....and I mean very short time hence the reason the grid fins are probably only able to unfold, no other active capabilities.

 

[teepot]

Grid fins are very draggy. Maybe drag separation. Here is a picture I took when I was at KSC a few weeks ago. The grid fins on a Falcon 9.

 

[aerostadt]

The fact that grid fins are "draggy" is an extra benefit for the Falcon 9 re-entry, because less delta v is required by the main engines for landing.
https://www.thespacetechie.com/grid-fins-the-wings-for-re-entry/