An Intermediate Load Attachment Platform (ILAP) for attaching a cargo load to at least one main parachute, the ILAP protects a release mechanism disposed at least partially therein, the release mechanism is coupled to a drogue mechanism, such that the drogue is released from the ILAP when the release mechanism is opened, thus beginning deployment of the main canopy.

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 parachute deployment system is disclosed. In various embodiments, the system includes an interface configured to receive sensor information; a parachute load limiting device; and a parachute load limiting device state controller. The parachute load limiting device state controller sets a state of the parachute load limiting device to a state associated with a corresponding amount of load based at least in part on the sensor information.

A device for disconnection by a mechanical action includes at least one mechanical connection part, in particular a buckle held closed by spring action, linked to at least one triggering means via at least one connecting member, and a release lever configured to be triggered by application of a force according to a predefined opening direction.

The disconnect device also includes at least one guide for the connecting member configured to redirect an effort applied on the triggering means, when opening is required, towards the mechanical connection part linked to the connecting member, according to the predefined opening direction.

Towplate units and assemblies are disclosed for airborne extraction of a cargo load. The towplate unit includes an extraction and jettison links having a pair of spaced-apart parallel extraction and jettison link arms and an extraction and jettison cross-connector extending between and rigidly joining the extraction and jettison link arms, respectively. A locking system removably locks the jettison link to the extraction link to thereby allow the jettison link to be removed from the extraction link when unlocked. A towplate assembly is also provided which includes a towplate unit removably assembled with a deck plate and an actuator control assembly operatively interconnected to the towplate unit so as to cause the towplate unit to separate from the deck plate during a normal cargo deployment condition or to cause the jettison link to separate from the extraction link of the towplate unit during an aborted cargo deployment condition.

Towplate units and assemblies are disclosed for airborne extraction of a cargo load. The towplate unit includes an extraction and jettison links having a pair of spaced-apart parallel extraction and jettison link arms and an extraction and jettison cross-connector extending between and rigidly joining the extraction and jettison link arms, respectively. A locking system removably locks the jettison link to the extraction link to thereby allow the jettison link to be removed from the extraction link when unlocked. A towplate assembly is also provided which includes a towplate unit removably assembled with a deck plate and an actuator control assembly operatively interconnected to the towplate unit so as to cause the towplate unit to separate from the deck plate during a normal cargo deployment condition or to cause the jettison link to separate from the extraction link of the towplate unit during an aborted cargo deployment condition.

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 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.