Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatic single point release system including a platform, a plurality of securement modules mounted to said platform, each said module including, a first strap anchored to said platform, a second strap anchored to said platform, and a latch connected between the first strap and the second strap, wherein the latch includes a releasable latch arm, a rocker arm, and a control cable, wherein the control cable is configured to control a position of the rocker arm, and wherein the latch arm is configured to be attachable and releaseable to a payload on the platform in response to the position of the rocker arm. A control box mounted to the platform, wherein the control box is connected to each control cable, wherein the control box is configured to automatically and concurrently release each said latch in response to a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A quick release restraint system comprising a restraint body that mates a harness fitting with a moveable lockpin. The lockpin is held in a closed position by a return member and can be moved to an open position when a sleeve and/or a ripcord is moved away from the lockpin. The sleeve surrounds the restraint body and mates with an internal lockpin body that may also be attached to the ripcord. The ripcord and/or sleeve engage the lockpin body in a single direction to generate a pulling force that counteracts a biasing force of the return member.

Abstract: An air drop platform alignment device employs an anchor which is attached to a platform. A release mechanism is triggerable during aerial delivery to release the anchor from the platform. The anchor functions to rotate the platform so that it is aligned in a direction away from the cross-wind prior to landing, thereby decreasing the likelihood that the platform will roll over. The release mechanism may be automatically triggered by opening a parachute attached to the platform, by the platform reaching a pre-established altitude, by triggering from a remote device or by a timer at a pre-established time. The anchor, in one embodiment, is configured to dig into the ground, and in another embodiment, is configured to drag across the ground prior to impact of the platform on the ground.

Abstract: A quick release restraint system comprising a restraint body that mates a harness fitting with a moveable lockpin. The lockpin is held in a closed position by a return member and can be moved to an open position when a sleeve and/or a ripcord is moved away from the lockpin. The sleeve surrounds the restraint body and mates with an internal lockpin body that may also be attached to the ripcord. The ripcord and/or sleeve engage the lockpin body in a single direction to generate a pulling force that counteracts a biasing force of the return member.

Abstract: A cargo hook assembly employing a connector strap and a frame attached to a lower kicker, a clamp, an upper kicker, and a shaft assembly. A transverse flange of the connector strap engages a ledge of the lower kicker and propels the lower kicker towards the frame. A clip of the lower kicker rotates the clamp towards a closed position. A tongue of the clamp engages the shaft assembly at a tongue groove. A remote electrical module, a remote mechanical module, and a local mechanical release rotate the shaft assembly to engage or disengage the shaft assembly from the upper kicker and tongue.

Abstract: A cargo hook assembly employing a connector strap and a frame attached to a lower kicker, a clamp, an upper kicker, and a shaft assembly. A transverse flange of the connector strap engages a ledge of the lower kicker and propels the lower kicker towards the frame. A clip of the lower kicker rotates the clamp towards a closed position. A tongue of the clamp engages the shaft assembly at a tongue groove. A remote electrical module, a remote mechanical module, and a local mechanical release rotate the shaft assembly to engage or disengage the shaft assembly from the upper kicker and tongue.

Abstract: An aerial delivery system for use with aircraft having a rear ramp and a cargo handling system. The aerial delivery system includes a cartridge base platform and a ramp platform. The cartridge base platform locks to the aircraft cargo handling system and the ramp platform locks to the aircraft ramp. A restraint subsystem restrains one or more cargo containers positioned on the cartridge base platform.

Abstract: A cushioned platform system and an aerial delivery method employ at least one airbag module. The airbag modules are mounted at the underside of a platform which supports the payload. Parallel roller pads are disposed below the at least one airbag module when the module is in a non-deployed mode and facilitate rolling the platform and payload onto the aircraft. The platform and payload are extracted from the aircraft with an extraction parachute. A mechanism is automatically activated to release the airbag module to a deployed mode prior to impact. The deployed airbag module may be repacked to the non-deployed mode for subsequent usage.

Abstract: A rail system for retaining cargo payload has a longitudinal inboard rail and an opposing longitudinal outboard rail. The inboard rail has a recess extending longitudinally for sliding receipt of a lip on a payload. A latch plate extends at least partially into the recess for engagement with the payload. The latch plate is pivotable from an engaged position retaining the payload in a fore-and-aft position to a disengaged position releasing the fore-and-aft retention optionally by a lever system.

Abstract: A rail system for retaining cargo payload has a longitudinal inboard rail and an opposing longitudinal outboard rail. The inboard rail has a recess extending longitudinally for sliding receipt of a lip on a payload. A latch plate extends at least partially into the recess for engagement with the payload. The latch plate is pivotable from an engaged position retaining the payload in a fore-and-aft position to a disengaged position releasing the fore-and-aft retention optionally by a lever system.

Abstract: An extraction force transfer coupling device is particularly adapted for use with certain cargo aircraft systems for aerial delivery of a load. The extraction force transfer coupling device employs a drop arm which prevents inadvertent actuation of the actuator arm. Prior to aerial delivery, the actuator arm is obstructed by the drop arm. When the platform is forwardly extracted from the aircraft, the drop arm slides along and eventually disengages from the aircraft floor which eventually results in actuation of the cable release to provide for opening of a suspension parachute.

Abstract: An advanced cargo restraint employs an elongated rope-like member formed of web material. The web material is manufactured from high-modulus fibers. Various connectors are attached to the elongated member. In some embodiments, a small linkage of chain is also connected directly or indirectly with the advanced cargo restraint member. The advanced cargo restraint member is adapted to substitute for heavy-duty chains employed to secure cargo.

Abstract: A single point release system provides a single point for efficiently, concurrently releasing multiple cargo retaining latches of an aerial delivery system. A release module is mounted to the platform and connects via a cable and is actuable to a release mode to concurrently release each of the latches.

Abstract: A single point release system provides a single point for efficiently, concurrently releasing multiple cargo retaining latches of an aerial delivery system. A release module is mounted to the platform and connects via a cable and is actuable to a release mode to concurrently release each of the latches.

Abstract: An extraction force transfer coupling device is particularly adapted for use with certain cargo aircraft systems for aerial delivery of a load. The extraction force transfer coupling device employs a drop arm which prevents inadvertent actuation of the actuator arm. Prior to aerial delivery, the actuator arm is obstructed by the drop arm. When the platform is forwardly extracted from the aircraft, the drop arm slides along and eventually disengages from the aircraft floor which eventually results in actuation of the cable release to provide for opening of a suspension parachute.

Abstract: An advanced cargo restraint employs an elongated rope-like member formed of web material. The web material is manufactured from high-modulus fibers. Various connectors are attached to the elongated member. In some embodiments, a small linkage of chain is also connected directly or indirectly with the advanced cargo restraint member. The advanced cargo restraint member is adapted to substitute for heavy-duty chains employed to secure cargo.