Airbag systems for use in aircraft are described herein. In some embodiments, an occupant restraint system for use with a passenger seat on an aircraft includes an under-seat airbag having a leg restraint portion. The under-seat airbag can be stowed approximate to a seat pan prior to use. In operation, the under-seat airbag can inflate to reduce occupant forward head path excursion and/or forward extension of the occupant's legs during a crash or other rapid deceleration event.

Airbag systems for use in aircraft are described herein. In some embodiments, an occupant restraint system for use with a passenger seat on an aircraft includes an under-seat airbag having a leg restraint portion. The under-seat airbag can be stowed approximate to a seat pan prior to use. In operation, the under-seat airbag can inflate to reduce occupant forward head path excursion and/or forward extension of the occupant's legs during a crash or other rapid deceleration event.

Apparatus and methods for supporting human external cargo from the hoist of a hoist-equipped helicopter are provided. The apparatus has at least one personal harness for supporting a user; and at least one harness segment with a top end point attachable to the helicopter hoist through an attachable fitting and at least one bottom end point directly or indirectly attachable to the personal harness. The harness segment, and the personal harness externally support the user from the helicopter hoist and allows the user to be safely suspended from the helicopter in order for work or rescue operations to be administered by the user.

Apparatus and methods for supporting human external cargo from the hoist of a hoist-equipped helicopter are provided. The apparatus has at least one personal harness for supporting a user; and at least one harness segment with a top end point attachable to the helicopter hoist through an attachable fitting and at least one bottom end point directly or indirectly attachable to the personal harness. The harness segment, and the personal harness externally support the user from the helicopter hoist and allows the user to be safely suspended from the helicopter in order for work or rescue operations to be administered by the user.

A system for translating a head restraint of a parachute assembly away from a head of an occupant supported by the parachute assembly may comprise a chord coupled to the head restraint and at least one of a control line configured to manipulate a canopy of the parachute assembly or a handle coupled to the control line.

A mechanically actuated cargo restraint system for a vehicle includes a rotatable reel in a frame, a first flexible tether, a base and a pawl. The frame includes a cog having a single tooth. The first flexible tether has a first end coupled to the rotatable reel and a second end capable of being coupled to one of a vehicle and a cargo item. The first flexible tether is windable around the rotatable reel. The base rotate with the reel. The pawl is pivotally connected to the base, and is biased in a first position that allows rotation of the pawl with respect to the cog. The pawl moves to a second position responsive to centrifugal force associated with a velocity of rotation of the rotatable reel exceeding a threshold. The pawl engages the cog in the second position to inhibit relative movement of the pawl with respect to the cog.

A mechanically actuated cargo restraint system for a vehicle includes a rotatable reel in a frame, a first flexible tether, a base and a pawl. The frame includes a cog having a single tooth. The first flexible tether has a first end coupled to the rotatable reel and a second end capable of being coupled to one of a vehicle and a cargo item. The first flexible tether is windable around the rotatable reel. The base rotate with the reel. The pawl is pivotally connected to the base, and is biased in a first position that allows rotation of the pawl with respect to the cog. The pawl moves to a second position responsive to centrifugal force associated with a velocity of rotation of the rotatable reel exceeding a threshold. The pawl engages the cog in the second position to inhibit relative movement of the pawl with respect to the cog.

Apparatus and methods for supporting human external cargo from the hoist of a hoist-equipped helicopter are provided. The apparatus has at least one personal harness for supporting a user; and at least one harness segment with a top end point attachable to the helicopter hoist through an attachable fitting and at least one bottom end point directly or indirectly attachable to the personal harness. The harness segment, and the personal harness externally support the user from the helicopter hoist and allows the user to be safely suspended from the helicopter in order for work or rescue operations to be administered by the user.

Apparatus and methods for supporting human external cargo from the hoist of a hoist-equipped helicopter are provided. The apparatus has at least one personal harness for supporting a user; and at least one harness segment with a top end point attachable to the helicopter hoist through an attachable fitting and at least one bottom end point directly or indirectly attachable to the personal harness. The harness segment, and the personal harness externally support the user from the helicopter hoist and allows the user to be safely suspended from the helicopter in order for work or rescue operations to be administered by the user.

Launch and/or recovery for unmanned aircraft and/or other payloads, including via parachute-assist, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative method for lofting a payload includes directing a lifting device upward, releasing a parachute from the lifting device, with the parachute carrying a pulley and having a flexible line passing around the pulley. The flexible line is connected between a tension device (e.g., a winch) and the payload. The method further includes activating the tension device to reel in the flexible line and accelerate the payload upwardly.