Abstract: A system and method for transferring crew members between a first platform and a second platform, at least one of which platforms is subject to movement, is disclosed. The system includes a telescoping-tube assembly having at least three nestable tubes. The tubes are capable of being extended and retracted as well as being selectively locked to ensure that a crew member traversing the tube assembly always travels along a rigid connection between adjacent tubes. A sensor system is used to sense the location and direction of movement of a crew member within the tubes.

Abstract: A deck-mounted inclined munitions launcher is disclosed. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the launcher includes a platform, two pivotally-coupled munitions canisters, and a drive system. An exhaust end of each munitions canister is movably coupled to the platform while the launch end of each canister is not coupled to the platform. A drive system engages the exhaust end of each munitions canister. The canisters lay substantially flat, side-by-side, in a pre-launch position. To raise the munitions canisters to a launch position, the drive system pulls the exhaust end of each of the canisters toward one another. Since the canisters are pivotally coupled, the pull of the drive system on the exhaust end of the canisters causes the launch end of each canister to rise in a scissoring motion.

Abstract: A UAV arresting hook is disclosed. The arresting hook facilitates the capture of a UAV via a UAV recovery system. In the illustrative embodiment, the arresting hook has a rotation block, an arm, and a plurality of latches that are disposed on the arm. The arm is coupled to the UAV via the rotation block, which provides two rotational degrees of freedom to the arm. In a stowed position, the arm is flush against the surface of the UAV. To deploy the arm, a free end of the arm is rotated away from the surface of the UAV. The arm is additionally biased to rotate about its longitudinal axis as it rotates away from the surface of the UAV. This rotation positions the latches to capture an arresting line that is part of a UAV recovery system.