Examples include an apparatus for delivering a payload. The apparatus includes a first autonomous vehicle and a second autonomous vehicle that are configured to be coupled to an aircraft. The first autonomous vehicle includes a wing and a first propulsion system configured to deliver the second autonomous vehicle to a first destination. The second autonomous vehicle includes a payload and a second propulsion system configured to deliver the payload to a second destination.

Examples include an apparatus for delivering a payload. The apparatus includes a first autonomous vehicle and a second autonomous vehicle that are configured to be coupled to an aircraft. The first autonomous vehicle includes a wing and a first propulsion system configured to deliver the second autonomous vehicle to a first destination. The second autonomous vehicle includes a payload and a second propulsion system configured to deliver the payload to a second destination.

A balloon system including a balloon, a payload, and a safety module. A safety module, preferably including a tether and a parachute, and optionally including a cover and/or a drogue. A method of balloon system operation, preferably including operating the balloon system in flight and descending under a parachute.

A balloon system including a balloon, a payload, and a safety module. A safety module, preferably including a tether and a parachute, and optionally including a cover and/or a drogue. A method of balloon system operation, preferably including operating the balloon system in flight and descending under a parachute.

Aeronautical conveying and release device comprising a frame, an actuator releasing a device, a first and second hook holding the device, first and second locking toggles having a locking and unlocking position, first and second cams in contact with the first or second toggle in a first direction, movement of the first or second cam in a second direction causing the toggle to leave the locking position and the unlocking of the hook, a third cam actuated from and returns to an idle position, a fourth cam driven by the third cam into unlocking, the third cam unlocking the first cam, a fifth cam coupled to the first cam, a safety member with lever with a first position which blocks the unlocked cams, the first cam and the second cam being blocked unlocked, blocking the locked toggles, a second position where the lever is blocked by the fourth and/or the fifth cam, and a third position where the lever frees the cams.

Aeronautical conveying and release device comprising a frame, an actuator releasing a device, a first and second hook holding the device, first and second locking toggles having a locking and unlocking position, first and second cams in contact with the first or second toggle in a first direction, movement of the first or second cam in a second direction causing the toggle to leave the locking position and the unlocking of the hook, a third cam actuated from and returns to an idle position, a fourth cam driven by the third cam into unlocking, the third cam unlocking the first cam, a fifth cam coupled to the first cam, a safety member with lever with a first position which blocks the unlocked cams, the first cam and the second cam being blocked unlocked, blocking the locked toggles, a second position where the lever is blocked by the fourth and/or the fifth cam, and a third position where the lever frees the cams.

Autonomous delivery drop points for delivery of an item are provided. The autonomous delivery drop points can include a proxy sensor to communicate information related to the autonomous delivery drop point to an autonomous delivery vehicle. The autonomous delivery drop points can include a delivery inlet configured to accept the item. The autonomous delivery drop points can include a storage receptacle configured to store the item until the item is retrieved by the owner of the item. The autonomous delivery drop points can include an attachment member coupled to the item. The autonomous delivery drop points can include a hook configured to couple to the attachment member to accept the item, wherein the hook comprises the proxy sensor.

Autonomous delivery drop points for delivery of an item are provided. The autonomous delivery drop points can include a proxy sensor to communicate information related to the autonomous delivery drop point to an autonomous delivery vehicle. The autonomous delivery drop points can include a delivery inlet configured to accept the item. The autonomous delivery drop points can include a storage receptacle configured to store the item until the item is retrieved by the owner of the item. The autonomous delivery drop points can include an attachment member coupled to the item. The autonomous delivery drop points can include a hook configured to couple to the attachment member to accept the item, wherein the hook comprises the proxy sensor.

Mechanism for restraining and releasing an external airborne load through pneumatic ejection wherein the load supports are made hollow so as to form a tank for the compressed air. The load supports consist of monolithic metal bodies made using an additive manufacturing process.

A coupling mechanism securing a first object having a well to a second object having a lug, including a shuttle movable within the lug, a resilient biasing means biasing the shuttle away from a base of the well when the lug is inserted, and locking elements movable radially in the lug between a retracted position and an extended position. Each locking element moves from the retracted position and retains in the extended position by a surface profile of the shuttle. The coupling mechanism includes a movable stop having: a first position in which movement of the shuttle is limited so the locking elements interact with the surface profile, and a second position in which movement of the shuttle is extended to cause the locking elements to interact with another surface profile of the shuttle, moving the locking elements from their extended position to their retracted position.