A locking mechanism comprises an S-shaped locking member which comprises respective locking hooks arranged at the end of opposed arms of the locking member. A pivot is arranged between the arms of the locking member. The locking member rotates around the axis (A) of the pivot. The locking mechanism further comprises a coupling for coupling the locking member to an actuator for rotating the locking member around the pivot axis (A). The coupling comprises at least one coupling element, an actuator coupling for coupling the at least one coupling element to the actuator and first and second drive couplings for coupling the at least one coupling element independently to each arm of the locking member for transmitting rotational movement thereto, such that failure of one arm of the locking member will not cause loss of drive to the other arm of the locking member.

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.

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 latch having a support bracket having a guide slot formed in a bottom surface. A linkage at least partially received within the guide slot and a handle coupled to the linkage transitionable between an open position and a closed position. A pin releasably coupled to the linkage such that when the handle is in the closed position the pin is coupled to the linkage and in the open position the pin is removable from the linkage. As the handle transitions from the open position to the closed position, the linkage moves within the guide slot.

A locking mechanism comprises an S-shaped locking member which comprises respective locking hooks arranged at the end of opposed arms of the locking member. A pivot is arranged between the arms of the locking member. The locking member rotates around the axis (A) of the pivot. The locking mechanism further comprises a coupling for coupling the locking member to an actuator for rotating the locking member around the pivot axis (A). The coupling comprises at least one coupling element, an actuator coupling for coupling the at last one coupling element to the actuator and first and second drive couplings for coupling the at least one coupling element independently to each arm of the locking member for transmitting rotational movement thereto, such that failure of one arm of the locking member will not cause loss of drive to the other arm of the locking member.

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 latch having a support bracket having a guide slot formed in a bottom surface. A linkage at least partially received within the guide slot and a handle coupled to the linkage transitionable between an open position and a closed position. A pin releasably coupled to the linkage such that when the handle is in the closed position the pin is coupled to the linkage and in the open position the pin is removable from the linkage. As the handle transitions from the open position to the closed position, the linkage moves within the guide slot.