A retractable cargo hook for aircraft is described. The cargo hook comprises a torsion spring allowing rotatable attachment to an aircraft body. An optional recessed portion of the aircraft body can house and receive the cargo hook. This can protect interior components from crashes which can push the cargo hook into the aircraft fuselage, damaging components.

The unmanned flight equipment includes an aerial vehicle capable of flying in an unmanned manner; a linear member configured to be suspended from the aerial vehicle and to hold a delivery target at a lower end thereof; a contact detection unit configured to detect contact with the delivery target or contact with the linear member; and a separation unit configured to separate the delivery target or the liner member based on a detection result of the contact detection unit.

The unmanned flight equipment includes an aerial vehicle capable of flying in an unmanned manner; a linear member configured to be suspended from the aerial vehicle and to hold a delivery target at a lower end thereof; a contact detection unit configured to detect contact with the delivery target or contact with the linear member; and a separation unit configured to separate the delivery target or the liner member based on a detection result of the contact detection unit.

There is disclosed a system for enhanced aerial delivery capability. In an embodiment, there is provided an electro-mechanical cargo alignment and capture system to allow Unmanned Aerial Systems to align and collect/capture external cargo payloads. In another embodiment, there is provided an electro-mechanical cargo alignment and capture system to allow Unmanned Aerial Systems to align and secure external cargo payloads to ground docking stations. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Presented are passive-release, snap-fit coupling devices for attaching cargo to cargo suspension systems, methods for making/using such devices, and aircraft equipped with underbody suspension systems using passive-release, snap-fit coupling devices for securing payloads. An object mounting device is presented for securing an object, such as a cargo container, to a tether hook of a suspension system, such as an aircraft's payload suspension system. The object mounting device includes a base plate that affixes to the object, and a hook latch mounted onto the base plate. The hook latch includes a guide surface adjacent a catch cavity. The catch cavity releasably receives therein the tether hook. The guide surface is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the base plate in order to slidably engage the tether hook, upon release from the catch cavity and under the force of gravity, to thereby eject the tether hook from the hook latch.

Presented are passive-release, snap-fit coupling devices for attaching cargo to cargo suspension systems, methods for making/using such devices, and aircraft equipped with underbody suspension systems using passive-release, snap-fit coupling devices for securing payloads. An object mounting device is presented for securing an object, such as a cargo container, to a tether hook of a suspension system, such as an aircraft's payload suspension system. The object mounting device includes a base plate that affixes to the object, and a hook latch mounted onto the base plate. The hook latch includes a guide surface adjacent a catch cavity. The catch cavity releasably receives therein the tether hook. The guide surface is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the base plate in order to slidably engage the tether hook, upon release from the catch cavity and under the force of gravity, to thereby eject the tether hook from the hook latch.

Delivery systems for aerial vehicles include a plurality of securement straps configured to secure a package during flight of an aerial vehicle, at least one retaining strap, and a release mechanism. A proximal end region of each securement strap and a first end region of the at least one retaining strap are coupled to the aerial vehicle. A distal end region of each securement strap is coupled to the release mechanism such that when the release mechanism is actuated the release mechanism releases the distal end region of at least one securement strap of the plurality of securement straps, thereby delivering the package. The release mechanism remains coupled to a second end region of the at least one retaining strap when the release mechanism is actuated such that the securement straps, release mechanism, and retaining strap all may be pulled up and away from the package after delivery.

Delivery systems for aerial vehicles include a plurality of securement straps configured to secure a package during flight of an aerial vehicle, at least one retaining strap, and a release mechanism. A proximal end region of each securement strap and a first end region of the at least one retaining strap are coupled to the aerial vehicle. A distal end region of each securement strap is coupled to the release mechanism such that when the release mechanism is actuated the release mechanism releases the distal end region of at least one securement strap of the plurality of securement straps, thereby delivering the package. The release mechanism remains coupled to a second end region of the at least one retaining strap when the release mechanism is actuated such that the securement straps, release mechanism, and retaining strap all may be pulled up and away from the package after delivery.

The present disclosure relates to an ejecting system (1) for dispensing countermeasure. The system (1) comprising at least one magazine (2) comprising at least one expendable cartridge (3) and a transporting rack (4) extending in a first direction (D1). Further, the system (1) comprises a magazine feeding mechanism (5) arranged to cooperate with said transporting rack (4) to move each of the at least one magazines (2) from a stored position to a loaded position. Further, the system (1) comprises a dispensing means (6) arranged to hold said at least one magazine (2) when said at least one magazine (2) is in a loaded position, wherein the dispensing means (6) comprises an electrical connector arrangement (7). Moreover, the system (1) comprises a first positioning mechanism (8) arranged to move said dispensing means (6) and the at least one magazine (2) from the loaded position to a protruding position.

Systems and methods for delivering payloads are described. In some embodiments, a system may include a tether, a release wire, and a coupling. The system may have a first state and a second state. In the first state, a portion of the coupling may extend through an opening in the tether and engage the release wire. In the second state, the release wire may not engage the portion of the coupling such that the portion of the coupling can pass freely through the opening in the tether.