An unmanned aerial launch vehicle (UAV) launch apparatus is disclosed that includes a UAV (400) having an exterior surface, an aerial vehicle (AV) tab (510) extending from the exterior surface, a tube (440) containing the UAV (400), the tube (440) including a tab stop (515) configured to controllably hinder travel of the AV tab (510) past the tab stop (515), and a pair of opposing tab guides (700, 705) configured to position the AV tab (510) for travel over the tab stop (515).

In one embodiment, a method of automated missile launcher reloading includes aligning one or more collars of a shelving system with a path of a canister and activating one or more rollers of the shelving system to translate the canister into the one or more collars. The method also includes coupling a first collar of the one or more collars to the canister and adjusting the one or more collars to align the canister with a path of a launcher cell. The method further includes translating the one or more collars into the path of the launcher cell to feed the canister into the launcher cell.

In one embodiment, a method of automated missile launcher reloading includes aligning one or more collars of a shelving system with a path of a canister and activating one or more rollers of the shelving system to translate the canister into the one or more collars. The method also includes coupling a first collar of the one or more collars to the canister and adjusting the one or more collars to align the canister with a path of a launcher cell. The method further includes translating the one or more collars into the path of the launcher cell to feed the canister into the launcher cell.

A launch system and method for an aircraft include a first ejector, and a second ejector. The first ejector and the second ejector are configured to cooperate to releasably retain a first store having a first length. Each of the first ejector and the second ejector is configured to releasably retain one or more second stores having a second length that differs from the first length.

A launch system and method for an aircraft include a first ejector, and a second ejector. The first ejector and the second ejector are configured to cooperate to releasably retain a first store having a first length. Each of the first ejector and the second ejector is configured to releasably retain one or more second stores having a second length that differs from the first length.

An unmanned aerial launch vehicle (UAV) launch apparatus is disclosed that includes a UAV (400) having an exterior surface, an aerial vehicle (AV) tab (510) extending from the exterior surface, a tube (440) containing the UAV (400), the tube (440) including a tab stop (515) configured to controllably hinder travel of the AV tab (510) past the tab stop (515), and a pair of opposing tab guides (700, 705) configured to position the AV tab (510) for travel over the tab stop (515).

A locking mechanism has a body located on an air vehicle where at least one useful load is located on the body and at least one launcher is located on the body which enables the launch and/or release of the useful loads contained therein. A trigger that contacts the useful load on the launcher allows the useful loads to be launched and/or released from the body. A rod extends longitudinally in the launcher, wherein when the trigger is moved, the rod moves on an axis that the launcher extends an arm that is in contact with the rod. A first spring located on the rod allows the rod to be triggered when the energy stored thereon is released. A tab extending outward from the arm holds the useful load.

In one embodiment, a method of automated missile launcher reloading includes aligning one or more collars of a shelving system with a path of a canister and activating one or more rollers of the shelving system to translate the canister into the one or more collars. The method also includes coupling a first collar of the one or more collars to the canister and adjusting the one or more collars to align the canister with a path of a launcher cell. The method further includes translating the one or more collars into the path of the launcher cell to feed the canister into the launcher cell.

In one embodiment, a method of automated missile launcher reloading includes aligning one or more collars of a shelving system with a path of a canister and activating one or more rollers of the shelving system to translate the canister into the one or more collars. The method also includes coupling a first collar of the one or more collars to the canister and adjusting the one or more collars to align the canister with a path of a launcher cell. The method further includes translating the one or more collars into the path of the launcher cell to feed the canister into the launcher cell.

Embodiments described herein n adapter is configured to receive a missile therein. The adapter includes a support member including an internal surface, an external surface, a fore portion, and an aft portion. The external surface includes one or more guide pins along the fore portion configured to slide through one or more corresponding guide rails on a receiving dual column chassis of a launcher, a pilot feature on the fore portion engages with the launcher, an extension portion, an electrical interface configured to couple to the launcher, and a second retention mechanism configured to retain the aft portion of the adapter in the receiving dual column chassis. The internal surface include lower guide rails, a fore alignment pin, a fore strike plate, an electrical interface guide pin, a first retention mechanism, and an aft mechanical stop feature configured to engage the first retention mechanism.