A system for launching a payload from an aircraft includes a magazine and a conveying mechanism. The magazine has a payload chamber at a first end of the magazine for retaining the payload and an exit port through which the payload may be launched, with the magazine configured to be disposed at or below an outer skin surface of the aircraft. The conveying mechanism includes a rotatable conveying member for contacting an outer surface of the payload when the payload is loaded into the payload chamber and for selectably rotating so as to cause the payload to be launched out of the magazine through the exit port. The system may optionally include a pivoting mechanism for pivoting the magazine between a stowed orientation and a deployed orientation, wherein the first end extends outside the outer skin surface in the deployed orientation.

A system for delivering and activating a two-part explosive may include an unmanned vehicle and/or an elevated structure, and a two-part explosive device. The device may include a container that is attached to, and releasable from, the unmanned vehicle or elevated structure. The container may contain an unsensitized explosive enclosed in a casing and and a sensitizing agent adjacent to the casing. The device may include an opening mechanism positioned at least partially within the container and adjacent to the casing. The opening mechanism may open the casing and expose the unsensitized explosive to the sensitizing agent, forming the two-part explosive in response to the container being released from the unmanned vehicle or elevated structure. The device may include a detonator inside or attached to the container. The detonator may trigger ignition of the two-part explosive after the unsensitized explosive is exposed to the sensitizing agent.

An apparatus and method for aerial recovery of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are provided. The apparatus includes a rigid base having a first section and a second section, wherein the first section is securely mounted to a floor of an aircraft. The apparatus further includes a servicing platform moveably mounted to the base and configured to move along a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aircraft such that in an extended position, the servicing platform at least partially protrudes from a rear cargo door of the aircraft, wherein the servicing platform comprises a capturing mechanism configured to capture the UAV in the extended position.

The present invention relates to a device for representing hits by shots and/or rockets, a corresponding system for same and an associated method. Disclosed is a device which is capable of flight and provides means for optical and/or acoustic representation of hits. The device and the means can be remotely controlled and can be controlled from a control centre. For the purpose of control, the control centre can locate objects capable of being located via positioning satellites and control the device according to the location.

A system and method allowing spoon-based devices to be carried and dropped by a drone. The preferred embodiments are adapted for use with a drone having a retracting drop shaft release mechanism. First and second adapter portions are provided. These clamp around the body of a spoon-based device and hold the spoon-based device. The lower regions of the first and second adapter portions are joined by a pivot joint. The upper regions each include an engagement feature such as an upstanding tang portion. These first and second tang portions are engaged to the drone's release unit.

A system for delivering ordinance is disclosed. The system includes a flight capable drone having a lift capacity suitable for carrying a munition, a fire control module in communication with the munition, and a handheld device in remote communication with the fire control module. At least one encrypted firing code generated by the fire control module is received by the handheld device and the munition is armed in accordance with at least the location of the drone.

A radio controlled (RC) vehicle includes a receiver that is configured to receive an RF signal from a remote control device. The RF signal contains command data in accordance with a first coordinate system that is from a perspective of the remote control device. A motion sensor is configured to generate motion data. A processor is configured to transform the command data into control data based on the motion data and in accordance with a second coordinate system that is from a perspective of the RC vehicle. A plurality of control devices are configured to control motion of the RC vehicle based on the control data.

A munitions dispenser employs a plurality of launch tubes mounted in an array as a segmented dispenser assembly. Each tube in the array is configured to carry a selected munition releasably coupled in a cylindrical bore of the tube for substantially vertical release through a lower aperture. A frame, mountable to an air vehicle, carries the array of launch tubes. A skin covers the array of launch tubes with the skin and frame with the array configured for nested engagement of multiple segmented assemblies.

An unmanned system maneuver controller (USMC) includes an inertial navigation system (INS) for state estimation of the USMC in three-dimensional (3D) space, a communications device configured to communicate with an unmanned system, and a processor configured to receive, via the communications device, flight, maneuver, or dive data from the unmanned system, and generate flight, maneuver, or dive control instructions based at least on the flight, maneuver, or dive data and data received from the INS. The flight, maneuver, or dive control instructions are configured to pilot the unmanned system based on movement of the USMC in 3D space. A remote may selectively control an operation of the USMC. The USMC may be mounted to a weapon or observation device, such that movement of the weapon or observation device in 3D space controls a movement of the unmanned system. Additional systems and associated methods are also provided.

A flight-operable, truly modular aircraft has an aircraft core to which one or more of outer wings members, fuselage, cockpit, leading and trailing edge couplings, and empennage and tail sections can be removably coupled and/or replaced during the operating life span of the aircraft. In preferred embodiments the aircraft core houses the propulsive engines, avionics, at least 80% of the fuel, and all of the landing gear. The aircraft core is preferably constructed with curved forward and aft composite spars, that transfer loads across the center section, while accommodating a mid-wing configuration. The aircraft core preferably has a large central cavity dimensioned to interchangeably carry an ordnance launcher, a surveillance payload, electronic countermeasures, and other types of cargo. Contemplated aircraft can be quite large, for example having a wing span of at least 80 ft.