A projectile cartridge that can be removably attached to a flying vehicle is disclosed. A system can include a first flying vehicle, a projectile attachment mechanism configured with the first flying vehicle, a projectile cartridge that contains a projectile, the projectile cartridge being removably attachable to the projectile attachment mechanism, a weight attached to the projectile, the weight being configured in a releasable configuration in the projectile cartridge and a drawstring configured with the projectile. After firing the projectile, when tension is applied to the drawstring as the projectile approaches or envelops a second flying vehicle, the tension can cause the drawstring to close the projectile down to secure the second flying vehicle.

A projectile cartridge that can be removably attached to a flying vehicle is disclosed. A system can include a first flying vehicle, a projectile attachment mechanism configured with the first flying vehicle, a projectile cartridge that contains a projectile, the projectile cartridge being removably attachable to the projectile attachment mechanism, a weight attached to the projectile, the weight being configured in a releasable configuration in the projectile cartridge and a drawstring configured with the projectile. After firing the projectile, when tension is applied to the drawstring as the projectile approaches or envelops a second flying vehicle, the tension can cause the drawstring to close the projectile down to secure the second flying vehicle.

A system is described and includes a rack for carrying payload disposed in a payload bay; and a payload extension assembly for affecting linear translation of the rack between a first position in which the rack is fully retracted within the payload bay and a second position in which the payload extension assembly is fully extended and the rack is supported outside the payload bay. The payload extension assembly comprises forward and aft tracks respectively attached to forward and aft walls of the payload bay; a first stage for providing linear translation of the rack relative to the forward and aft tracks; and a second stage for providing linear translation of the rack relative to the first stage. The system further comprises a payload actuator system for selectively causing the rack extension assembly to move the rack between the first and second positions.

A system is described and includes a rack for carrying payload disposed in a payload bay; and a payload extension assembly for affecting linear translation of the rack between a first position in which the rack is fully retracted within the payload bay and a second position in which the payload extension assembly is fully extended and the rack is supported outside the payload bay. The payload extension assembly comprises forward and aft tracks respectively attached to forward and aft walls of the payload bay; a first stage for providing linear translation of the rack relative to the forward and aft tracks; and a second stage for providing linear translation of the rack relative to the first stage. The system further comprises a payload actuator system for selectively causing the rack extension assembly to move the rack between the first and second positions.

A system for stabilizing a device, comprises: A) a base plate provided comprising a plurality of motors; B) a displaceable mounting plate provided with: i) a plurality of bearing assemblies; ii) one or more sensors for measuring the orientation of said mounting plate; and iii) mounting elements for mounting instruments on said mounting plate; C) a plurality of actuators interconnecting between said mounting plate and said base plate, each actuator comprising; a) a shoulder section pivotally coupled to one of said motors of the base plate; b) an arm section coupled to one of said bearing assemblies of said mounting plate; and c) a mediating bearing assembly connecting between said shoulder and arm sections; and D) a processing unit adapted to receive readings from said sensors, to determine a required state of each arm, and to instruct one or more of said motors to rotate.

A system for stabilizing a device, comprises: A) a base plate provided comprising a plurality of motors; B) a displaceable mounting plate provided with: i) a plurality of bearing assemblies; ii) one or more sensors for measuring the orientation of said mounting plate; and iii) mounting elements for mounting instruments on said mounting plate; C) a plurality of actuators interconnecting between said mounting plate and said base plate, each actuator comprising; a) a shoulder section pivotally coupled to one of said motors of the base plate; b) an arm section coupled to one of said bearing assemblies of said mounting plate; and c) a mediating bearing assembly connecting between said shoulder and arm sections; and D) a processing unit adapted to receive readings from said sensors, to determine a required state of each arm, and to instruct one or more of said motors to rotate.

A cargo transporting system for a tailsitter aircraft includes a cargo receptacle rotatably coupled to an underside of a wing and a cargo assembly selectively coupled to the cargo receptacle. By rotating the cargo receptacle, the cargo transporting system can transition between a deployed position and a retracted position. In the deployed position, the cargo receptacle is substantially perpendicular to the wing, and accommodates ground personnel charged with connecting or removing the cargo assembly from the cargo transporting system. In the retracted position, the cargo receptacle is substantially parallel to the wing, and positioned for flight operations.

A cargo transporting system for a tailsitter aircraft includes a cargo receptacle rotatably coupled to an underside of a wing and a cargo assembly selectively coupled to the cargo receptacle. By rotating the cargo receptacle, the cargo transporting system can transition between a deployed position and a retracted position. In the deployed position, the cargo receptacle is substantially perpendicular to the wing, and accommodates ground personnel charged with connecting or removing the cargo assembly from the cargo transporting system. In the retracted position, the cargo receptacle is substantially parallel to the wing, and positioned for flight operations.

A nose assembly of an aircraft includes a nose airframe having a nonhorizontal mounting surface and a turret assembly mounted on the nonhorizontal mounting surface. The turret assembly includes a turret device housing rotatable relative to the nonhorizontal mounting surface. The nose airframe includes a nose skin forming a nose fairing having an apex aperture. The nose skin at least partially covers the turret assembly such that the turret assembly is at least partially inset in the apex aperture of the nose fairing.

A nose assembly of an aircraft includes a nose airframe having a nonhorizontal mounting surface and a turret assembly mounted on the nonhorizontal mounting surface. The turret assembly includes a turret device housing rotatable relative to the nonhorizontal mounting surface. The nose airframe includes a nose skin forming a nose fairing having an apex aperture. The nose skin at least partially covers the turret assembly such that the turret assembly is at least partially inset in the apex aperture of the nose fairing.