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 drogue parachute system for a spacecraft includes a first parachute that is inflatable, at least one inflating device that is connected to the first parachute and can inflate the first parachute, a first set of connection lines, an extension device, a second set of connection lines, a second parachute and a third set of connection lines. Each connection line of the first set of connection lines includes two opposite ends respectively connected to the first parachute and the spacecraft. Each connection line of the second set of connection lines includes two opposite ends respectively connected to the extension device and the first parachute. Each connection line of the third set of connection lines includes two opposite ends respectively connected to the second parachute and the extension device. The first parachute fully deployed is reverse umbrella-shaped with respect to the spacecraft.

A lever-lock release system is configured to releasably couple two objects together, for example a parachute and a payload. The lever-lock release system may comprise a first lever and a second lever, each rotatably coupled to a rigid base. When activated, the levers cascadingly rotate to release a first object and a second object. With these systems and related methods, various failure modes may be eliminated, such as undesired premature deployment of recovery parachutes during aerial delivery.

A lever-lock release system is configured to releasably couple two objects together, for example a parachute and a payload. The lever-lock release system may comprise a first lever and a second lever, each rotatably coupled to a rigid base. When activated, the levers cascadingly rotate to release a first object and a second object. With these systems and related methods, various failure modes may be eliminated, such as undesired premature deployment of recovery parachutes during aerial delivery.

An apparatus and an article of manufacture providing a parachute ripcord pull force reducer device, method and system offering mechanical gain such that the pull force required to pull the main parachute closing pin is reduced. Further disclosed is a parachute container using the novel parachute ripcord pull force reducer, and methods for manufacturing and/or modifying a parachute to operate with various embodiments of the ripcord pull force reducer in accordance with the instant disclosure.

A system enabling safe manned and unmanned operations at extremely high altitudes (above 70,000 feet). The system utilizes a balloon launch system and parachute and/or parafoil recovery.

A system enabling safe manned and unmanned operations at extremely high altitudes (above 70,000 feet). The system utilizes a balloon launch system and parachute and/or parafoil recovery.

A method for extracting a person or package from a ground point involves dropping a pod, connected to a tether, with parachute and radio from an aircraft, connected by tether line to the fixed-wing aircraft, tracking descent of the pod to an extraction point, maneuvering the fixed wing aircraft into a circular orbit creating a gravity well, donning the parachute with harness by a subject to be extracted, and altering path and speed of the fixed-wing aircraft to gradually increase tension in the tether to lift the subject in the harness from the ground point, and to accelerate the subject to an altitude and path to carry the subject in the harness to a predetermined altitude over a second ground point.

A method for extracting a person or package from a ground point involves dropping a pod, connected to a tether, with parachute and radio from an aircraft, connected by tether line to the fixed-wing aircraft, tracking descent of the pod to an extraction point, maneuvering the fixed wing aircraft into a circular orbit creating a gravity well, donning the parachute with harness by a subject to be extracted, and altering path and speed of the fixed-wing aircraft to gradually increase tension in the tether to lift the subject in the harness from the ground point, and to accelerate the subject to an altitude and path to carry the subject in the harness to a predetermined altitude over a second ground point.

An ejection launcher is an apparatus that effectively ejects a payload while maintaining a compact structure. The apparatus includes an elongated enclosure, a cover, a trigger mechanism, and a spring-loaded piston. The apparatus further includes a payload, such as a parachute. The elongated enclosure positions and connects the trigger mechanism with the spring-loaded piston. The elongated enclosure also houses the spring-loaded piston. The trigger mechanism releases the spring-loaded piston which forces the payload from within the elongated enclosure. The payload is a desired delivered item and is preferably a parachute. The trigger mechanism and the spring-loaded piston translates horizontal force into vertical force which releases the payload and reduces the release resistance. The trigger mechanism preferably utilizes and includes a servo motor with an output arm. The output arm pushes against a catch plate of the trigger mechanism and releases a catch pin of the spring-loaded piston.