Rolleron

It proved to be a more compact, simpler, and reliable solution to controlling roll than preceding methods, such as the combination of servomechanisms and ailerons.

Due to its potential value as a missile stabilization device it was quickly subject to in-depth evaluations by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), and other organizations.

[2] The early missiles in use by the mid-1950s were typified by their limited damping of aerodynamic roll as a consequence of their low-aspect ratio lifting surfaces.

The historic solution to this issue was to install a servomechanism to sense the roll rate and make adjustments to a conventional aileron as to counteract as required; this approach added complexity and weight, and took up limited space.

The benefit of this gyroscopic motion is that it counteracts the missile's undesirable tendency to rotate about its central axis, dynamically stabilizing its flight.

By eliminating roll tendencies, the rolleron makes it considerably easier for a missile to carry out its core functions, such as target tracking.