A ring release system is configured to releasably couple a parachute to a payload. The ring release system may comprise a series of release rings affixed to a riser. At least one release ring comprises a removable pin, permitting installation of the release ring after associated components have been stitched together, improving the reliability and manufacturability of the ring release system.

A ring release system is configured to releasably couple a parachute to a payload. The ring release system may comprise a series of release rings affixed to a riser. At least one release ring comprises a removable pin, permitting installation of the release ring after associated components have been stitched together, improving the reliability and manufacturability of the ring release system.

A ring release system is configured to releasably couple a parachute to a payload. The ring release system may comprise a series of release rings affixed to a riser. At least one release ring comprises a removable pin, permitting installation of the release ring after associated components have been stitched together, improving the reliability and manufacturability of the ring release system.

A ring release system is configured to releasably couple a parachute to a payload. The ring release system may comprise a series of release rings affixed to a riser. At least one release ring comprises a removable pin, permitting installation of the release ring after associated components have been stitched together, improving the reliability and manufacturability of the ring release system.

A paracord cutter mechanism includes a shuttle tube extending between first and second ends. A paracord aperture is formed through the tube proximate the first end thereof. A rod is threadingly engaged into the first end of the tube and a cutting board formed at a distal end thereof. A cutter shuttle is configured to travel from the second end of the tube toward the first end of the tube after a pyrotechnic explosive cap is detonated. The cutter shuttle severs a paracord after engaging at a sufficiently high speed and forcing the paracord into the cutting board. A parachute can be deployed and then detached by severing different paracords.

A stored energy release comprises an actuatable member slidably received within a housing. The actuatable member has an extended orientation wherein a portion of the actuatable member extends outwardly from the housing and a retracted orientation wherein the actuatable member resides within the housing. A biasing member is located between the actuatable member and the housing biases the actuatable member to the retracted orientation. A shaft is within the housing with the actuatable member configured for sliding movement along the shaft. A retaining member is located between the actuatable member and the shaft. The retaining member maintains the actuatable member in the extended orientation whereby potential energy is stored within the biasing member. A piezoelectric element selectively engages the retaining member to disable the retaining member and release the stored potential energy within the biasing member to place the actuatable member in the retracted orientation.

A stored energy release comprises an actuatable member slidably received within a housing. The actuatable member has an extended orientation wherein a portion of the actuatable member extends outwardly from the housing and a retracted orientation wherein the actuatable member resides within the housing. A biasing member is located between the actuatable member and the housing biases the actuatable member to the retracted orientation. A shaft is within the housing with the actuatable member configured for sliding movement along the shaft. A retaining member is located between the actuatable member and the shaft. The retaining member maintains the actuatable member in the extended orientation whereby potential energy is stored within the biasing member. A piezoelectric element selectively engages the retaining member to disable the retaining member and release the stored potential energy within the biasing member to place the actuatable member in the retracted orientation.

An electronic drogue reefing release system includes a drogue parachute having a canopy, one or more reefing lines coupled to the canopy, one or more reefing line cutters coupled to the canopy, and one or more signal lines configured to deliver an electrical signal. The reefing lines are configured to restrict expansion of the canopy while in a first reefing state. The reefing line cutters are configured to place the at least one reefing line into a second reefing state in response to receiving the electrical signal so as to expand the canopy.

A solar powered plane, such as a plane configured to operate in the stratosphere, that includes a descent control system arranged such that, in the event of loss of control or airframe failure or flight termination, a transferred energy to an impacted object and/or a kinetic energy imparted on impact by any item of the plane that reaches the ground is reduced to less than a predetermined energy or a regulatory or legal safety threshold.