Marotta Controls, a New Jersey-based manufacturer specializing in aerospace and defense technologies, has received a new U.S. patent for a compact mechanism that improves the deployment and control of fins on high-performance munitions and vehicles.
The newly patented technology was developed by Marotta’s engineering team in New Jersey. It addresses challenges in traditional fin deployment systems, which typically require separate mechanisms for deploying and actuating fins. These conventional systems take up more space and have additional points where failures can occur. Marotta’s solution integrates both functions into a single drive train, removing the need for extra motors or release devices. This approach is particularly useful in applications with limited space, such as gun-launched munitions.
The engineering team responsible for the invention includes Vito Guardi, Travis Spaulding, John Albright, and Brett Seidman.
“This invention was born from a customer challenge where the available space simply couldn’t accommodate multiple mechanisms,” said Guardi, Senior Manager, Mechanical Engineering at Marotta Controls. “By rethinking how we deploy and drive fins, we developed a solution that not only fits the tight envelope but also enhances reliability and testability for high-performance systems.”
A notable feature of this mechanism is its resettable design. This allows customers to conduct full functional testing at their own facilities without damaging or sacrificing hardware. Unlike devices designed for single use—which must be replaced after each test—Marotta’s system can be reloaded and retested multiple times. This gives users greater confidence in performance before field deployment.
Although originally created for gun-launched guided rounds, the technology may also benefit other platforms such as torpedoes or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), where stowed control surfaces help with storage, transport, or aerodynamic efficiency.
“This patent reinforces Marotta’s reputation for solving the kinds of engineering challenges others shy away from,” Guardi said. “It also demonstrates our ability to innovate within severe constraints of space and performance, delivering solutions that keep our customers competitive in the most demanding environments.”
This is Marotta’s second U.S. patent awarded in 2025; earlier this year they received another patent related to synchronous rectification techniques used in high-current power conversion.
