A multi-mission munition adapter for an aircraft may be configured to attach to a hardpoint and hold a plurality of munitions, such as missiles and bombs. A top of the multi-mission munition adapter may have suspension lugs configured to attach to a hardpoint on an aircraft. Sides of the multi-mission munition adapter may have one or more launcher attachment fittings configured to attach missile launchers. A bottom of the multi-mission munition adapter may have one or more munitions ejector hangers configured to attach air-to-ground munitions ejectors. The adapter may comprise an electrical system that permits an aircraft to communicate with and/or power all functions of the bomb rack, missile launchers, and the weapons employed.

Embodiments include active protection systems and methods for an aerial platform. An onboard system includes radar modules, detects aerial vehicles within a threat range of the aerial platform, and determines if any of the aerial vehicles are an aerial threat. The onboard system also determines an intercept vector to the aerial threat, communicates the intercept vector to an eject vehicle, and causes the eject vehicle to be ejected from the aerial platform to intercept the aerial threat. The eject vehicle includes alignment thrusters to rotate a longitudinal axis of the eject vehicle to substantially align with the intercept vector, a rocket motor to accelerate the eject vehicle along an intercept vector, divert thrusters to divert the eject vehicle in a direction substantially perpendicular to the intercept vector, and attitude control thrusters to make adjustments to the attitude of the eject vehicle.

The present invention is capable of containing, transporting, and deploying a plurality of kinetic energy impact drones capable of aerial navigation and swarm formations. The apparatus has a circular profile to accommodate fitting within the inherently circular profile of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) fuselage as well as to allow high rate of drone deployment.

The present invention is capable of containing, transporting, and deploying a plurality of kinetic energy impact drones capable of aerial navigation and swarm formations. The apparatus has a circular profile to accommodate fitting within the inherently circular profile of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) fuselage as well as to allow high rate of drone deployment.

A projectile delivery module to be mounted on an aerial vehicle includes a projectile delivery system including a kinetic projectile and a base system. The kinetic projectile includes a projectile body, an RF receiver, and an onboard steering system including: a steering mechanism operable to change an attitude, orientation, and/or direction of flight of the kinetic projectile; and a steering actuator. The base system includes: an RF transmitter to communicate with the RF receiver; a projectile holder; a target tracking system; and a projectile guidance system including a projectile tracking system and a projectile control system. The base system is configured to: release the kinetic projectile from the projectile holder such that the kinetic projectile is driven toward a target by gravity; track the target using the target tracking system; track the released kinetic projectile using the projectile tracking system; and automatically control the onboard steering system using the projectile control system to adjust a trajectory of the falling kinetic projectile to steer the kinetic projectile to the target.

Embodiments are directed to an aircraft, such as a tiltrotor, having an internal payload storage area. A rotatable deployment system is mounted within the payload storage area. The rotatable deployment system comprises a frame that is configured to rotate between a stowed position and a deployment position. Two extendible arms are attached to the frame, wherein each extendible arm is configured to move in opposite directions between a retracted position and a plurality of extended positions. Each extendible arm has a fixed end and a moving end. A payload mounting point on each moving end. The payload mounting point allows a payload to pan and tilt in azimuth and elevation.

In a method of carrying a munition on a munition launcher platform, the munition launcher platform is provided with a data tag activator and a data tag reader. A munition is attached to the munition launcher platform, the munition being provided with a data tag. An activation signal is transmitted from the data tag activator to the data tag. As a result of receiving the activation signal, the data tag returns a data response to the data tag reader. The receiving of the data response provides the munition launcher platform with an indication that the munition is still attached to the munition launcher platform.

In a method of carrying a munition on a munition launcher platform, the munition launcher platform is provided with a data tag activator and a data tag reader. A munition is attached to the munition launcher platform, the munition being provided with a data tag. An activation signal is transmitted from the data tag activator to the data tag. As a result of receiving the activation signal, the data tag returns a data response to the data tag reader. The receiving of the data response provides the munition launcher platform with an indication that the munition is still attached to the munition launcher platform.

A tube to bulkhead joint is provided. The joint includes a bulkhead defining an aperture and comprising an interior facing sidewall at the aperture, a tubular element, which is insertible into the aperture, the tubular element including an end sized to fit into the aperture and slotted to form multiple deflectable fingers, and adhesive disposable between at least the multiple deflectable fingers and the interior facing sidewall of the aperture.

A tube to bulkhead joint is provided. The joint includes a bulkhead defining an aperture and comprising an interior facing sidewall at the aperture, a tubular element, which is insertible into the aperture, the tubular element including an end sized to fit into the aperture and slotted to form multiple deflectable fingers, and adhesive disposable between at least the multiple deflectable fingers and the interior facing sidewall of the aperture.