Presented are passive-release, snap-fit coupling devices for attaching cargo to cargo suspension systems, methods for making/using such devices, and aircraft equipped with underbody suspension systems using passive-release, snap-fit coupling devices for securing payloads. An object mounting device is presented for securing an object, such as a cargo container, to a tether hook of a suspension system, such as an aircraft's payload suspension system. The object mounting device includes a base plate that affixes to the object, and a hook latch mounted onto the base plate. The hook latch includes a guide surface adjacent a catch cavity. The catch cavity releasably receives therein the tether hook. The guide surface is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the base plate in order to slidably engage the tether hook, upon release from the catch cavity and under the force of gravity, to thereby eject the tether hook from the hook latch.

Presented are passive-release, snap-fit coupling devices for attaching cargo to cargo suspension systems, methods for making/using such devices, and aircraft equipped with underbody suspension systems using passive-release, snap-fit coupling devices for securing payloads. An object mounting device is presented for securing an object, such as a cargo container, to a tether hook of a suspension system, such as an aircraft's payload suspension system. The object mounting device includes a base plate that affixes to the object, and a hook latch mounted onto the base plate. The hook latch includes a guide surface adjacent a catch cavity. The catch cavity releasably receives therein the tether hook. The guide surface is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the base plate in order to slidably engage the tether hook, upon release from the catch cavity and under the force of gravity, to thereby eject the tether hook from the hook latch.

Delivery systems for aerial vehicles include a plurality of securement straps configured to secure a package during flight of an aerial vehicle, at least one retaining strap, and a release mechanism. A proximal end region of each securement strap and a first end region of the at least one retaining strap are coupled to the aerial vehicle. A distal end region of each securement strap is coupled to the release mechanism such that when the release mechanism is actuated the release mechanism releases the distal end region of at least one securement strap of the plurality of securement straps, thereby delivering the package. The release mechanism remains coupled to a second end region of the at least one retaining strap when the release mechanism is actuated such that the securement straps, release mechanism, and retaining strap all may be pulled up and away from the package after delivery.

Delivery systems for aerial vehicles include a plurality of securement straps configured to secure a package during flight of an aerial vehicle, at least one retaining strap, and a release mechanism. A proximal end region of each securement strap and a first end region of the at least one retaining strap are coupled to the aerial vehicle. A distal end region of each securement strap is coupled to the release mechanism such that when the release mechanism is actuated the release mechanism releases the distal end region of at least one securement strap of the plurality of securement straps, thereby delivering the package. The release mechanism remains coupled to a second end region of the at least one retaining strap when the release mechanism is actuated such that the securement straps, release mechanism, and retaining strap all may be pulled up and away from the package after delivery.

A ground marker for use in identifying a location associated with a mission performed by an aerial vehicle includes a visible surface with aspects that are positioned at different vertical heights or elevations. The vertical variation in the aspects of the visible surface enhances a level of visibility of the ground marker within images captured by cameras provided aboard the aerial vehicle, resulting in more accurate estimations of ranges to such markers (e.g., altitudes) determined from such images. The visible surface includes one-dimensional or two-dimensional bar codes, alphanumeric characters and symbols thereon and is provided on or within rigid or flexible frames that are adapted to be placed on ground surfaces at the location associated with the mission.

A ground marker for use in identifying a location associated with a mission performed by an aerial vehicle includes a visible surface with aspects that are positioned at different vertical heights or elevations. The vertical variation in the aspects of the visible surface enhances a level of visibility of the ground marker within images captured by cameras provided aboard the aerial vehicle, resulting in more accurate estimations of ranges to such markers (e.g., altitudes) determined from such images. The visible surface includes one-dimensional or two-dimensional bar codes, alphanumeric characters and symbols thereon and is provided on or within rigid or flexible frames that are adapted to be placed on ground surfaces at the location associated with the mission.

An aerial detection system includes an aerial vehicle unit and a hanging platform mechanically connected to an aerial vehicle by at least one flexible link. An EM sensor and hanging platform circuitry are mounted on the hanging platform. The hanging platform circuitry processes the EM sensor output signals. The aerial vehicle unit is attached the aerial vehicle and includes AVU circuitry which processes signals output by the hanging platform circuitry. The hanging platform circuitry and AVU circuitry are connected by one or more wired and/or wireless signal connections.

An aerial detection system includes an aerial vehicle unit and a hanging platform mechanically connected to an aerial vehicle by at least one flexible link. An EM sensor and hanging platform circuitry are mounted on the hanging platform. The hanging platform circuitry processes the EM sensor output signals. The aerial vehicle unit is attached the aerial vehicle and includes AVU circuitry which processes signals output by the hanging platform circuitry. The hanging platform circuitry and AVU circuitry are connected by one or more wired and/or wireless signal connections.

A control system for a component of a rescue hoist attached to an aircraft is disclosed. In various embodiments, the control system includes a first bus extending between a control module of the rescue hoist and a control input device; a second bus extending between the control module of the rescue hoist and the control input device; and a hardwire extending between the control module of the rescue hoist and the control input device.

A control system for a component of a rescue hoist attached to an aircraft is disclosed. In various embodiments, the control system includes a first bus extending between a control module of the rescue hoist and a control input device; a second bus extending between the control module of the rescue hoist and the control input device; and a hardwire extending between the control module of the rescue hoist and the control input device.