Side plate rudder system

The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor. The present invention relates to an improved steering system for a water craft and an improved method of steering. The steering system includes at least two variable camber plates or rudders mounted to a hull of the water craft for imparting a steering force to the water craft. Each of the variable camber plates is preferably formed from a flexible material and has a leading edge affixed to the hull. A linkage mechanism is attached to a steering device on the water craft and causes at least one of the plates to move relative to the hull and thereby vary the camber of the at least one plate.