Abstract: Disclosed are systems, apparatuses, and methods to determine, communicate, and/or respond to state information of at least one of a suspended load control apparatus, carrier, or load suspended by a cable from the carrier, wherein response to the state information may be to control at least one of the suspended load control apparatus, carrier, or load suspended by a cable from the carrier.

Abstract: A controller may obtain, from one or more first devices of a first machine, first information regarding a load associated with a first portion of an object. The first portion, of the object, may be carried by an implement of the first machine and a second portion, of the object, may be carried by an implement of a second machine. The controller may obtain, from one or more second devices of the first machine, second information regarding an orientation of the first machine. The controller may determine, based on the first information and a threshold derived based on the second information, that a load drop condition is satisfied; perform a first action associated with dropping the load; and transmit, to the second machine, information regarding the first action to cause the second machine to perform a second action.

Abstract: A modular load carrying apparatus for a rotary wing aircraft and to a rotary wing aircraft with such a modular load carrying apparatus. The modular load carrying apparatus may include a tube, first and second caps at first and second axial ends of the tube, a carrier star with docking devices that are adapted for rotatably receiving a seat or a carrier beam that may be folded against the tube in a stowed position or unfolded from the tube in a deployed position. A tension rod may be spanned between the first and second caps and transfer tension loads from the carrier star via the second cap towards the first cap.

Abstract: The method for transporting a payload to a target location, comprises the following steps of providing a hybrid airship comprises a buoyancy enclosure, a gondola carried by the buoyancy enclosure and a payload carrier, and at least one propeller; flying the hybrid airship carrying the payload to a target location, flying the hybrid airship carrying the payload comprising generating a lift force with the at least one propeller. Flying the hybrid airship carrying the payload comprises tilting the longitudinal axis of the buoyancy enclosure to a positive pitch to generate an aerodynamic lift force when the hybrid airship carrying the payload moves longitudinally.

Abstract: A munitions rack includes a munitions rack structure that houses multiple compact ejectors. The structure includes a pair of internal longitudinal ribs, inboard of a pair of external longitudinal ribs. A spine of the munitions rack structure links all the ribs, and the munitions rack structure may be formed out of a single piece of material. The ribs define a pair of side recesses on the port and starboard sides of the bomb, which each may be further subdivided into a forward pocket and an aft pocket. Removable ejectors are located in the pockets. The ejectors may receive pressurized gas from pressurized gas source(s) located outside of the ejectors. The ejectors may each have multiple forward pistons and multiple aft pistons. The ejectors may include pitch control valving to control the relative amounts of pressurized gas sent to the forward piston(s) and aft piston(s).

Abstract: An anti-rotation device for suspending a load under a machine for lifting and moving this load includes a sling system provided with a fastener to the machine. It further includes a spreader beam, having a main longitudinal axis and a yaw rotation vertical transverse axis, including: a system for upper fastening to the sling system so it can be suspended in a substantially horizontal arrangement of its main longitudinal axis and free about its vertical transverse axis under the machine using the sling system; a system for lower fastening to the load, allowing driving of the load by the spreader beam about its vertical transverse axis. The spreader beam includes a propulsion unig disposed in such a way as to engage its rotation, selectively in one direction or in the other, about its vertical transverse axis when it is suspended from the machine via the sling system.

Abstract: A carriage system on an aircraft determines the type of each store attached to the carriage system. The carriage system detects stores attached to the carriage system and determines whether a first interlock signal formatted according to a first interface format is present for each store. If the first interlock signal is present, then the dual mode carriage system determines that a store interface for the store is the first interface format. If the first interlock signal is not present for the store, the carriage system determines whether a second interlock signal formatted according to a second interface format is present on a predetermined set of connection pins of the first interface format. If the second interlock signal is present, then the carriage system determines that the store interface for the store is the second interface format. The carriage system reports the store interface of each store to the aircraft.

Abstract: An autonomous cargo container retrieval and delivery system locates a select cargo container and maneuvers an unmanned aerial vehicle proximate to the container for retrieval. The vehicle positions itself to engage the cargo container using a grasping mechanism, and, responsive to engaging the cargo container, retracts the cargo container toward the vehicle. As the cargo container is retracted toward the vehicle, weight sensors within the retrieval mechanism sense the weight and the weight distribution of the cargo container, and, can modify the cargo container's location on the vehicle to optimize vehicle flight operations or replace the container on the ground and alert the operator that the cargo container is too heavy or has an improper weight distribution. Upon mating the cargo container with the vehicle, a coupling mechanism latches or secures the cargo container to the vehicle for further flight and/or ground operations.

Abstract: An aircraft store ejector systems and subsystems thereof. Embodiments can include a two-reservoir re-pressurization system wherein a remote reservoir is used to maintain desired pressure in a local ejector reservoir. The system can include a release valve having a vent valve and valve piston. The release valve can control release of pressurized gas to a pitch control valve. The pitch control valve can be configured to distribute the pressurized gas between two or more ejector piston assemblies. One or more of the ejector piston assemblies can include multiple concentric piston stages and piston chambers, the piston chambers configured to contain a volume of gas. The ejector piston assemblies can be configured to compress the volume of gas within the piston chambers as the piston stages are extended out from the aircraft. Such compression can provide a return force to the piston stages.

Abstract: The disclosed inventions include personal Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV's) and UAV universal docking ports “docking ports” to be incorporated into and/or attached to headwear, including helmets, hard hats and hats and face masks, as well as footwear including boots and shoes, clothing and outerwear, devices, gear and equipment, land, air, water and space vehicles, buildings, wireless towers and other mobile or stationary objects and surfaces referred to collectively as “docking stations”. A docking station may have one or more docking ports for docking, networking and charging or refueling compact personal UAVs, and for providing data communications between said UAVs and other electronic devices that remain with the person while the UAV is in flight or driving or landed on terrain. Said docking ports may also incorporate wireless power transmission for remote wireless charging of one or more UAV's.

Abstract: A pylon for mounting to a bottom surface of an aircraft and for carrying an external payload is provided. The pylon comprises a body spanning along a vertical axis between an upper face and a lower face, the upper face comprising one or more mounting arrangements configured to facilitate mounting the pylon to the bottom surface of the aircraft, the lower face comprising at least one suspension mechanism configured to facilitate selective attachment of the payload to the pylon. The pylon further comprises a covering arrangement configured for selective shifting between a closed position in which it covers the suspension mechanism and an open position in which the suspension mechanism is uncovered. The width of the body varies smoothly along the vertical axis between, inclusively, the upper and lower faces.

Abstract: A suspended aerial vehicle system includes an aerial vehicle with a thruster assembly and a supporting line attached to the aerial vehicle that is capable of supporting at least some of the weight of the aerial vehicle. The supporting line may have an adjustable length which when varied, and in coordination with variations in a thrust characteristic of the aerial vehicle, may change the position of the aerial vehicle. Other aspects are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems for launching primary or secondary payloads or actuating other launch vehicle or payload or instrumentation devices. The system includes an adapter assembly and at least one sequencer mounted to the adapter assembly. The sequencer includes: controller boards, each of the controller boards having a controller for controlling deployment of the payloads and data files; output ports coupled to the controller boards and configured to transmit signals from the controller boards to dispensers therethrough, deployment mechanisms containing the payloads, the adapter assembly having channels for accommodating the dispensers; and a detector coupled to the controller boards and adapted to detect an external signal and, in response to the external signal, to send an initiation signal to the controller boards. The system also includes at least one power supply coupled to the sequencer and adapted to provide an electrical power to the sequencer.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes various systems, devices, and methods configured to retrieve a fixed-wing aircraft from free flight using a flexible capture member and a monopole assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a payload activation device. The payload activation device comprises a camera having a fixed focal length, arranged to capture an image of an object on a platform for carrying a payload having the payload activation device, wherein, when the payload is in a first position relative to the platform, the image of the object is in a first focused state and, when the payload is in a second position relative to the platform, the image of the object is in a second focused state. The payload activation device also comprises a processor configured to determine whether the image of the object is in the first focused state or the second focused state and to cause actuation of an activation mechanism within the payload when the image of object is in the second focused state to activate the payload. The present disclosure also provides a deployable payload having the payload activation device and an aircraft for carrying the deployable payload.

Abstract: A rail launch mechanism and method for launching a payload is configured to release payload lugs of a payload from a platform. A rack for launching a payload includes multiple rails that separately engage lugs in the respective payload of the rails, and a force actuator for launching the payload by accelerating the payload along the rails, causing the lugs to separate from the respective rails. A launching system for launching the payload from the platform may include a rail, at least one payload release shoe that carries a payload lug along the rail, and a force actuator for accelerating the payload release shoe such that inertia of the payload causes the payload lug to be released from the payload release shoe.

Abstract: A capture-and-release aircraft for capturing and releasing fixed-wing aircraft is provided. The capture-and-release aircraft comprises a frame to which is secured a set of rotor units. Each rotor unit has a rotor with a rotation axis, the rotation axes of the rotors being generally parallel. A set of aircraft engagement members is also secured to the frame that can align with a set of anchors of a fixed-wing aircraft to releasably couple with the anchors.

Abstract: An aircraft system with assisted taxi, take-off and climbing, comprising: a main air vehicle capable of performing autonomously the cruising and landing phases of a flight, an auxiliary air vehicle lighter than the main air vehicle and configured to assist the main air vehicle during the taxing and take-off phases of a flight. Main and auxiliary air vehicles are adapted to be detachably connectable, so that the auxiliary air vehicle can assist the main air vehicle when both are attached to each other during taxing, take-off and climbing. The auxiliary air vehicle is an unmanned air vehicle and it is further configured to fly and land when it is detached from the main air vehicle. Aircraft operations cost and aircraft production cost are reduced, by optimizing the design (sizing) and capabilities of some systems of an aircraft.

Abstract: A unit that is mountable to an underside of drone to attach an attachment to the drone and then release the attachment after the drone is airborne. The unit is provide with a retractable bar that is controllable via a remote controller. In use, an attachment is suspended from the bar and once the drone becomes airborne, a user may retract the bar via remote control to drop the attachment previously suspended from the bar.

Abstract: Systems and methods to form distributed and reconfigurable aerial vehicle configurations are described. An aerial vehicle configuration may include a plurality of aerial vehicles that are connected to a payload via respective tethers in order to complete a task, e.g., delivery of the payload to a location. The plurality of aerial vehicles selected as part of the aerial vehicle configuration may be of various types and may form a particular initial configuration. During operation, the aerial vehicle configuration may be modified based on changes to various operating parameters associated with aerial vehicles, the aerial vehicle configuration, the task, and/or the environment. The modifications may include changing positions, altitudes, and/or orientations of aerial vehicles with respect to each other and/or the payload, releasing aerial vehicles from the configuration, or adding new aerial vehicles to the configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to releasing smaller unmanned aerial vehicles from larger unmanned aerial vehicles. Apparatus and system embodiments are disclosed for physically retaining and ejecting the smaller unmanned aerial vehicles, including the communication networks associated with the command and control of both the smaller unmanned aerial vehicles and the larger unmanned aerial vehicles.

Abstract: A multi-mission munition adapter for an aircraft may be configured to attach to a hardpoint and hold a plurality of munitions, such as missiles and bombs. A top of the multi-mission munition adapter may have suspension lugs configured to attach to a hardpoint on an aircraft. Sides of the multi-mission munition adapter may have one or more launcher attachment fittings configured to attach missile launchers. A bottom of the multi-mission munition adapter may have one or more munitions ejector hangers configured to attach air-to-ground munitions ejectors. The adapter may comprise an electrical system that permits an aircraft to communicate with and/or power all functions of the bomb rack, missile launchers, and the weapons employed.

Abstract: An example system includes an aerial vehicle, a sensor, and a winch system. The winch system includes a tether disposed on a spool, a motor operable to apply a torque to the tether, and a payload coupling apparatus coupled to the tether and configured to mechanically couple to a payload. The system also includes a repositioning apparatus configured to reposition the payload coupling apparatus in at least a horizontal direction. A control system is configured to control the aerial vehicle to deploy the payload coupling apparatus by unwinding the tether from the spool; receive, while the aerial vehicle hovers above the payload and from the sensor, data indicative of a position of the payload coupling apparatus in relation to the payload; and reposition, using the repositioning apparatus and based on the data, the payload coupling apparatus in the horizontal direction to mechanically couple to the payload.

Abstract: A selectable force gas generator (SFGG) includes support material of honeycomb structure and a gas collection chamber contained in a housing. Gas-generating propellant cells are partially embedded in the support material. Each of the gas-generating propellant cells includes a steel jacket having a convex portion exposed to the gas collection chamber. The steel jacket has an orifice through the convex portion. Each propellant cell includes a propellant packet contained in the jacket. Each propellant cell includes a fire wire electrically connectable to an electrically-fired initiator and electrically connected to the propellant packet. The fire wire transmits a firing signal that causes the propellant packet to produce gas. A cap is positioned between the propellant packet and the jacket. The cap has a tip that blocks the orifice of the jacket and the thickness of the jacket is sufficient to prevent sympathetic detonation of the propellant packet.

Abstract: A load placement system precisely places slung loads by allowing a helicopter pilot to essentially reel the load to the ground. The placement system uses lead lines on the slung load that can be connected to the ground by support personnel. A winch system is connected to the lead lines and guides the load to an intended location. The placement system eliminates at least some of the ground personnel previously needed for pulling the load to a target location and orientation. The placement system may eliminate substantially all ground personnel by using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to automatically connect the lead lines to the ground. The UAVs also may actively control the slung load while in flight to reduce pilot workload and enable higher transport speeds.

Abstract: Container retention and release apparatus are disclosed. An example container retention and release apparatus includes a swaybrace to engage an exterior surface of a container. A latch is to attach to an internal receptacle of the container to retain the container. The latch is movable between a latched position to retain the container and an unlatched position to release the container. A drive is to move the latch between the latched position and the unlatched position.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a multicopter-assisted launch and retrieval system generally including: (1) a multi-rotor modular multicopter attachable to (and detachable from) a fixed-wing aircraft to facilitate launch of the fixed-wing aircraft into wing-borne flight; (2) a storage and launch system usable to store the modular multicopter and to facilitate launch of the fixed-wing aircraft into wing-borne flight; and (3) an anchor system usable (along with the multicopter and a flexible capture member) to retrieve the fixed-wing aircraft from wing-borne flight.

Abstract: The invention relates to an unmanned aerial vehicle having a dropping device (20) for a first load (21) and a second load (22). The dropping device (20) comprises an actuation element (31) which performs a first movement in order to drop the first load (21) and which performs a second movement in order to drop the second load (22). The invention also relates to an associated method.

Abstract: A buoyant aerial vehicle includes: a balloon configured to store a gas; a payload coupled to the balloon; and a propulsion unit coupled to the payload by a tether. The propulsion unit includes: a fuselage having a substantially longitudinal shape, a first end, and a second end; a primary airfoil coupled to the fuselage; a secondary airfoil coupled to the fuselage at one of the first end or the second end; and a thrust generating device disposed at one of the first end or the second end and configured to move the propulsion unit relative to the payload along a propulsion flight path. The movement of the propulsion unit imparts movement of the buoyant aerial vehicle along a vehicle flight path.

Abstract: An airborne store support assembly includes an ejector housing assembly that receives a fluid-actuated ejector piston. Extension of the piston pushes apart an airborne store from an aircraft for separation after release. A selectable force gas generator (SFGG) includes a total number of more than one gas-generating unit in fluid communication with the ejector housing assembly to actuate the fluid-actuated ejector piston with a selected amount of force. A communication interface in communication with the SFGG supplies at least one firing signal that causes a selected subset of the more than one gas-generating unit that corresponds to the selected amount of force that is dynamically determined by a controller based on flight parameters of at least one of an attitude, a rate of motion, and a rate of acceleration of the aircraft.

Abstract: An example system includes an aerial vehicle, a sensor, and a winch system. The winch system includes a tether disposed on a spool, a motor operable to apply a torque to the tether, and a payload coupling apparatus coupled to the tether and configured to mechanically couple to a payload. The system also includes a repositioning apparatus configured to reposition the payload coupling apparatus in at least a horizontal direction. A control system is configured to control the aerial vehicle to deploy the payload coupling apparatus by unwinding the tether from the spool; receive, while the aerial vehicle hovers above the payload and from the sensor, data indicative of a position of the payload coupling apparatus in relation to the payload; and reposition, using the repositioning apparatus and based on the data, the payload coupling apparatus in the horizontal direction to mechanically couple to the payload.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a lock apparatus that includes a latch hook having a catch at a first latch end, a first pivotal mount at a second latch end opposite the first latch end, and a second pivotal mount, a rotary actuator configured to selectably rotate a rotor shaft in a first rotary direction and in a second rotary direction opposite the first rotary direction, a rotor arm coupled to the rotor shaft at a first arm end and extending radially outward from the rotor shaft to a second arm end opposite the first arm end, and a link arm pivotably connected to the second arm end at a first link end, and pivotably connected to the second pivotal mount at a second link end opposite the first link end.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a multicopter-assisted launch and retrieval system generally including: (1) a multi-rotor modular multicopter attachable to (and detachable from) a fixed-wing aircraft to facilitate launch of the fixed-wing aircraft into wing-borne flight; (2) a storage and launch system usable to store the modular multicopter and to facilitate launch of the fixed-wing aircraft into wing-borne flight; and (3) an anchor system usable (along with the multicopter and a flexible capture member) to retrieve the fixed-wing aircraft from wing-borne flight.

Abstract: A spacecraft includes a main body, a set of panels attached to a side of the main body, and a retaining the set of panels adjacent to the main body. The single-point release device includes a heater for generating heat to expand a thermally sensitive material, a membrane-based actuator for providing a linear movement based on a phase change of the thermally sensitive material contained in the membrane-based actuator, and a release fitting and a release rod for retaining and selectively releasing a pin based on the linear movement of the membrane-based actuator. The membrane-based actuator is configured to push the pin through the release fitting.

Abstract: A return device for retracting an attachment device of an aircraft. The attachment device is movable between a retracted storage position and a deployed working position, the return device tending to place the attachment device in the retracted storage position in the absence of an external load, while allowing the attachment device to move towards the deployed working position in the presence of an external load. The return device comprises resilient return means for exerting a traction return force on the attachment device and automatically bringing the attachment device into the retracted storage position; a force-reduction member for reducing the traction return force exerted by the resilient return means on the attachment device; and a line element having a first free end secured to the attachment device and a second free end secured to the force-reduction member.

Abstract: Provided herein are various improvements to satellite or payload deployment systems and equipment. In one example, a satellite deployment apparatus is provided. The satellite deployment apparatus includes opposing retention members configured to engage protrusions of a satellite and hold the satellite with respect to a baseplate. The satellite deployment apparatus includes at least one pusher element configured to preload a deployment force on the satellite against the opposing retention members when the protrusions of the satellite are captive in the opposing retention members, and a deployment mechanism configured to spread the opposing retention members responsive to triggering by an actuator system and release the protrusions of the satellite for deployment of the satellite away from the baseplate using at least the deployment force.

Abstract: A fastening system with a rotatable fastener that may secure an aircraft store to an aircraft and may rotate to reduce a drag coefficient of the aircraft store. Reducing the drag coefficient of the aircraft store may increase fuel efficiency of the aircraft store by requiring less energy to propel the aircraft store at a given speed or acceleration. The rotatable fastener allows the aircraft store to attach to the aircraft and to possess a low drag coefficient once the aircraft store is deployed. The rotatable fastener member may be configured to conform to attachment interface standards, such as Standardization Agreement (“STANAG”) 3842 or any other suitable aircraft store attachment interface standard.

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: Provided is an information processing device that is capable of switching between a state in which a device is carried and a state in which the device is not carried in a more suitable form in accordance with a state or situation in which the device is used. The information processing device includes an acquisition unit that acquires information on a user and a controller that executes a control process for moving a device that can be carried by the user so that the device changes between a carry state in which the device is carried by the user and a non-carry state in which the device is not carried by the user on the basis of the information on the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-legged reusable air-launched carrier rocket mounted on a mid-line pylon of a supersonic fighter or a bomber fuselage and its length is not limited by the front undercarriage of the carrier aircraft. The rocket body has opposite upper and lower elongated openings at the position of the front undercarriage of the carrier aircraft. When running, the upper cover and lower cover of the openings open to the rocket body to form a vertical passage, so that the front undercarriage can be normally placed down. After taking off, the upper cover and lower cover close to form a cavity in the rocket body, and the cavity is then filled with liquid from the liquid tank in the carrier aircraft. The configuration is similar to the Roton carrier rocket.

Abstract: A method to load stores on an aircraft, the method may be controlled by one or more controller and may include one or more acts of loading stores onto corresponding lift portions; determining a relative position of the aircraft; positioning the stores relative to the determined position of the aircraft; and securing the stores to corresponding hardpoints (HPs) of the aircraft.

Abstract: A method for an airborne payload system includes receiving, from a sensor on a payload line, information about the payload line, wherein the payload line comprises a first end wound about a main reel of a winch system and a second end configured to couple to a payload. The method further includes providing instructions, based on the received information, to the unmanned aircraft and the winch system in order to control a position of the second end of the payload line.

Abstract: A proximity relation is determined in various example embodiments. A method can comprise: acquiring a proximity relation between devices and at least one visible light source associated with each device of the devices in at least one moment; and determining a proximity relation of the devices according to the proximity relation between the devices and at least one visible light source associated with each device of the devices in at least one moment. A solution is thus provided for determining a proximity relation without acquiring actual geographic locations of the devices, which improves security and protects user privacy.

Abstract: An aircraft store ejector systems and subsystems thereof. Embodiments can include a two-reservoir re-pressurization system wherein a remote reservoir is used to maintain desired pressure in a local ejector reservoir. The system can include a release valve having a vent valve and valve piston. The release valve can control release of pressurized gas to a pitch control valve. The pitch control valve can be configured to distribute the pressurized gas between two or more ejector piston assemblies. One or more of the ejector piston assemblies can include multiple concentric piston stages and piston chambers, the piston chambers configured to contain a volume of gas. The ejector piston assemblies can be configured to compress the volume of gas within the piston chambers as the piston stages are extended out from the aircraft. Such compression can provide a return force to the piston stages.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method of using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprising a housing, a processor, a positioning unit, a sonar unit, a launching unit and a fishhook unit in fishing. The method comprises manipulating the UAV to fly to a designated destination determined by the processor according to one of a received wireless communication and a preset program, adjusting the sonar unit to a predetermined height by the positioning unit, determining a coordinate corresponding to a signal detected by the sonar unit as a fishing region when the signal is consistent with a predetermined value, launching bait to the fishing region by the launching unit, releasing a fishhook from the fishhook unit to the fishing region, and manipulating the UAV to hover or return by the processor according to one of a received wireless communication and a preset program.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a helicopter-mediated system and method for launching and retrieving an aircraft capable of long-distance efficient cruising flight from a small space without the use of a long runway.

Abstract: A method to load stores on an aircraft, the method may be controlled by one or more controller and may include one or more acts of loading stores onto corresponding lift portions; determining a relative position of the aircraft; positioning the stores relative to the determined position of the aircraft; and securing the stores to corresponding hardpoints (HPs) of the aircraft.

Abstract: A system comprising: a low observable aircraft (2) having its external surfaces oriented at a limited number of directions; a device (12) mounted to the aircraft (2) outside the external surfaces of the aircraft (2); and a fairing (10) located outside the external surfaces of the aircraft (2), the fairing (10) being releasably coupled to the one or more external surfaces of the aircraft (2), at least part of the fairing (10) being spaced apart from one or more of the external surfaces of the aircraft (2) so as to define a chamber between the fairing (10) and that one or more external surfaces of the aircraft (2). The device (12) is wholly located within the chamber. One or more external surfaces of the fairing (10) are oriented in the same direction as at least one external surface of the aircraft (2).

Abstract: A helicopter-hoist system is described. The system may include: hoist equipment, illumination systems, range-measuring equipment, camera(s), communication systems, display devices, processing/control systems including image-processing systems, and power-management systems. The system may also include a smart-hook for measuring a load on the hook. Based on the measured load on the cable, the lighting may be illuminated in different manners. In another aspect, the system may communicate with display devices, which render images of a mission to helicopter crew members or other observers.

Abstract: A load beam for an aerial vehicle comprises an elongate beam with a radial slot and a lug extending from the radial slot. A hook is pivotably connected to the lug. There is a first arm pivotably connected to the beam and a second arm pivotably connected to the beam. The first arm may be pivotably connected to a first mount and the second arm may be pivotably connected to a second mount. A pivot axis of the first arm relative to the elongate beam may be substantially parallel to a pivot axis of the first arm relative to the first mount. A pivot axis of the second arm relative to the elongate beam may substantially parallel to a pivot axis of the second arm relative to the second mount.