Abstract: An e.g. fluid powered linear actuator is provided with a helical orientation surface in a fixed angular position relative to a first component; and a follower in a fixed angular position relative to a second component. When the first and second components are moved towards one another as the actuator is retracted, the follower engages and moves along the helical orientation surface to rotate the first and second components to a predetermined relative angular position.

Abstract: A store suspension lug assembly comprises a base securable to a store and a lug portion hingedly movable between an extended position in which it is engageable by a suspension hook of a release unit and a retracted position presenting a lower aerodynamic profile. The lug portion is biased towards the retracted position. A locking mechanism has a locked state in which the lug portion is held in the extended position. The locking mechanism is releasable by action of the suspension hook on the lug portion, e.g. by the suspension hook engaging a portion of the locking mechanism as the weight of the store acts on the suspension hook via the lug portion. Engagement of the suspension hook with the lug portion may maintain the lug portion in the extended position against the bias.

Abstract: An e.g. fluid powered linear actuator is provided with a helical orientation surface in a fixed angular position relative to a first component; and a follower in a fixed angular position relative to a second component. When the first and second components are moved towards one another as the actuator is retracted, the follower engages and moves along the helical orientation surface to rotate the first and second components to a predetermined relative angular position.

Abstract: A small store suspension and release unit uses a resiliently biased electrical connector assembly and/or resiliently biased feet pivotally attached to adjustable sway brace legs to apply an ejection impulse to a store after release from a suspension hook. A safety latch mechanism includes a pawl which engages a nib on the suspension hook assembly to prevent inadvertent release of the store if the suspension hook assembly becomes jammed, e.g., due to ice formation.

Abstract: A two-stage, fully self-retracting, telescopic fluid actuator suitable for high speed ejection applications comprises a detent 38, 64, 26, which locks a cylinder 6 in an extended position for extension of a piston 3 therefrom. The detent is released by retraction of the piston into the cylinder again, e.g. under spring bias, so that the actuator is fully self-retracting. A locking ball 38 of the detent also serves to latch the piston and cylinder to each other for the first stage of the actuator extension. In an alternative embodiment, cam means (80, 117 FIGS. 10, 11 and 13) and plungers (90, FIGS. 10, 12, 13 and 15) perform the detent and latching functions.

Abstract: The unit (10) uses a resiliently biased electrical connector assembly (16) and/or resiliently biased feet (50) pivotally attached to adjustable sway brace legs (20) to apply an ejection impulse to a store (not shown) after release from a suspension hook (102). A safety latch mechanism comprises a pawl (130) which engages a nib (108) on the suspension hook assembly to prevent inadvertent release of the store if the suspension hook assembly becomes jammed e.g. due to ice formation.

Abstract: A two-stage, fully self-retracting, telescopic fluid actuator suitable for high speed ejection applications comprises a detent 38, 64, 26, which locks a cylinder 6 in an extended position for extension of a piston 3 therefrom. The detent is released by retraction of the piston into the cylinder again, e.g. unspring bias, so that the actuator is fully self-retracting. A locking ball 38 of the detent also serves to latch the piston and cylinder to each other for the first stage of the actuator extension. In an alternative embodiment, cam means (80, 117 FIGS. 10, 11 and 13) and plungers (90, FIGS. 10, 12, 13 and 15) perform the detent and latching functions.