An electronic module assembly (EMA) for use in controlling one or more personal restraint systems. A programmed processor within the EMA is configured to determine when a personal restraint system associated with each seat in a vehicle should be deployed. In addition, the programmed processor is configured to perform a diagnostic self-test to determine if the EMA and the personal restraint systems are operational. In one embodiment, results of the diagnostic self-test routine are displayed on a display included on the electronic module assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the results of the diagnostic self-test routine are transmitted via a wireless transceiver to a remote device. The remote device can include a wireless interrogator or can be a remote computer system such as a cabin management computer system.

A retractable cargo hook for aircraft is described. The cargo hook including a torsion spring allowing rotatable attachment to an aircraft body. An optional recessed portion of the aircraft body can house and receive the cargo hook. This can protect interior components from crashes which can push the cargo hook into the aircraft fuselage, damaging components.

Managing a package delivery system deploying an unmanned vehicle including an inflatable unit for reducing package vibration in a transportation vehicle. Package data is received at a computer, and the package data includes package descriptions. Spatial positioning of the packages in the transport space is tracked to determine, spatial positioning changes between the packages in the transport space based on the package data received at the computer and the transport. One or more unmanned vehicles are delivered to the transport space based on the spatial positioning changes in the transport space, and the unmanned vehicles including inflatable units. The inflatable units are deployed in the transport space by inflating the inflatable units at locations in the transport space based on the spatial positioning changes to discourage package movement in the transport space.

A vertical take-off and landing aircraft of the tail-sitting type comprises a cockpit integrated into a body having delta wings in the rear section with respect to the cockpit and a propulsion system placed in the front section with respect to the cockpit. The propulsion system includes at least two coaxial counter-rotating propellers put into rotation by at least two electric engines powered by rechargeable batteries.

A retractable cargo hook for aircraft is described. The cargo hook comprises a torsion spring allowing rotatable attachment to an aircraft body. An optional recessed portion of the aircraft body can house and receive the cargo hook. This can protect interior components from crashes which can push the cargo hook into the aircraft fuselage, damaging components or even causing post-crash fires.

A vertical take-off and landing aircraft of the tail-sitting type comprises a cockpit integrated into a body having delta wings in the rear section with respect to the cockpit and a propulsion system placed in the front section with respect to the cockpit. The propulsion system includes at least two coaxial counter-rotating propellers put into rotation by at least two electric engines powered by rechargeable batteries.

An unmanned cargo loading and transport system adapted for operation with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprising a payload pad comprising a plurality of support members movable from an extended mode to a retracted mode when exposed to a lateral force applied to the support members and a payload container adapted to attach to a UAV and pick up cargo from the payload pad by transferring the weight of the cargo from the payload pad to the payload container. The lower portion of the payload container comprises two generally opposed cargo doors movably mounted at opposed sides and movable inwardly to a closed position and outwardly to an open position to receive cargo when the payload container is positioned at the payload pad. The system further comprises a motive power mechanism coupled to the cargo doors for selectively moving the doors between their open and their closed positions.