Deployment mechanism for stowable fins in missiles

A deployment mechanism ( 414 ) in combination with a missile ( 10 ), guided projectile ( 410 ) or other ordnance that automatically pivots and rotates a fin ( 412 ) from a stowed orientation to a deployed orientation. The deployment mechanism ( 414 ) includes a tubular cam ( 434 ) having a retention mechanism ( 455 ) that retains the fin ( 412 ) simply and reliably in the stowed orientation. The tubular cam also guides the fin ( 412 ) quickly to the deployed orientation.