An external anchoring harpoon for an aircraft in order to anchor the aircraft on an anchor grid of a platform, the external anchoring harpoon comprises a frame connected to the aircraft, a harpoon head, and a deployment device for deploying the harpoon head. The deployment device comprises a cable, a movement device for moving the cable connected to the frame, the cable being connected to the harpoon head and to the movement device. The deployment device also comprises a main telescopic strut and two secondary telescopic struts so as to enable the harpoon head to be centered under the aircraft and so as to enable the harpoon head to be anchored to the anchor grid.

An aerial vehicle landing station comprising a first post and a second post, wherein the second post is spaced apart from the first post and a cable to capture an aerial vehicle, wherein the cable is stretched between the first post and the second post and configured to support the weight of the aerial vehicle once captured and the cable may provide a charging current to the aerial vehicle once captured. One or more markers may be further positioned on the cable to designate a landing point, wherein the one or more markers are configured to be visually tracked by the aerial vehicle. A cable management device coupled to the cable via one or more pulleys may regulate tension of the cable. A communications transceiver at the aerial vehicle landing station may wirelessly communicate data with the aerial vehicle.

An aerial vehicle landing station comprising a first post and a second post, wherein the second post is spaced apart from the first post and a cable to capture an aerial vehicle, wherein the cable is stretched between the first post and the second post and configured to support the weight of the aerial vehicle once captured and the cable may provide a charging current to the aerial vehicle once captured. One or more markers may be further positioned on the cable to designate a landing point, wherein the one or more markers are configured to be visually tracked by the aerial vehicle. A cable management device coupled to the cable via one or more pulleys may regulate tension of the cable. A communications transceiver at the aerial vehicle landing station may wirelessly communicate data with the aerial vehicle.

An apparatus for use as part of, or attached to, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to intercept and entangle a threat unmanned aerial vehicle, includes a flight and payload control system for controlling power to the UAV and for controlling maneuvering of the UAV. A host-side mount may be coupled to the UAV and is in communication with the flight and payload control system. A payload-side mount is removably attached to the host-side mount and includes a power interface and a control interface between the payload-side mount and the host-side mount. A counter-UAV system is coupled to said payload-side mount and includes a deployable net having a cross-sectional area sized for intercepting and entangling the threat unmanned aerial vehicle; and a deployment mechanism for mounting to the unmanned aerial vehicle including a rigid mounting bar and a pair of cords, between which the deployable net is disposed.

Capture devices for unmanned aerial vehicles, including track borne capture lines, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative system includes at least one support having an upright portion and at least one boom portion, a carriage track carried by the at least one boom portion, and a carriage carried by, and movable along, the carriage track. The system can further include a capture line carried by and extending downwardly from the at least one boom portion, or the carriage, or both the at least one boom portion and the carriage.

Capture devices for unmanned aerial vehicles, including track borne capture lines, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative system includes at least one support having an upright portion and at least one boom portion, a carriage track carried by the at least one boom portion, and a carriage carried by, and movable along, the carriage track. The system can further include a capture line carried by and extending downwardly from the at least one boom portion, or the carriage, or both the at least one boom portion and the carriage.

A method of launching and retrieving a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) (10). The preferred method of launch involves carrying the UAV (10) up to altitude using a parasail (8) similar to that used to carry tourists aloft. The UAV is dropped and picks up enough airspeed in the dive to perform a pull-up into level controlled flight. The preferred method of recovery is for the UAV to fly into and latch onto the parasail tow line (4) or cables hanging off the tow line and then be winched back down to the boat (2).

A method of launching and retrieving a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) (10). The preferred method of launch involves carrying the UAV (10) up to altitude using a parasail (8) similar to that used to carry tourists aloft. The UAV is dropped and picks up enough airspeed in the dive to perform a pull-up into level controlled flight. The preferred method of recovery is for the UAV to fly into and latch onto the parasail tow line (4) or cables hanging off the tow line and then be winched back down to the boat (2).

A probe assembly includes a base body, a first telescoping member coupled to the base body, a second telescoping member coupled to the first telescoping member, and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is operably connected between the base body and the first telescoping member to translate the first telescoping member from a capture position to a capture-retracted position for reducing slop between a fitting coupled to an end of the second telescoping member opposite the base body and an arresting beam.

A probe assembly includes a base body, a first telescoping member coupled to the base body, a second telescoping member coupled to the first telescoping member, and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is operably connected between the base body and the first telescoping member to translate the first telescoping member from a capture position to a capture-retracted position for reducing slop between a fitting coupled to an end of the second telescoping member opposite the base body and an arresting beam.