Abstract: An object is deployed from an aircraft using gravity extraction of the object with the aid of a small parachute. The object is restrained in the fore and aft directions on either side of the center of gravity by fore and aft loading chains which hold the object to a loading deck. The chains are attached to the object by pear shaped rings mounted to a load plate. The load plate is supported on a lower attachment plate mounted to the object and is attached by a pin to an upper attachment plate also mounted to the object. Pulling the pin causes the load plate to rotate about a hinge formed on the lower attachment plate followed by release of the load plate from the lower attachment plate and the object to be deployed.

Abstract: A system for launching a launch vehicles mounted beneath an aircraft. A mechanism which separates the launch vehicle from the carrier aircraft engages the launch vehicle, and prevents the launch vehicle from coming into contact with the carrier aircraft as the launch vehicle is dropped away from the launch vehicle. A lanyard extends from the carrier aircraft applies an impulse to the launch vehicle as it is separated from the aircraft causing the launch vehicle to rotate upwardly of the pitch plane. A drogue parachute applies a rearward force to the launch vehicle holding the rigid trapeze in engagement with the launch vehicle, and damping the rate of rotation in the pitch plane as the rotation of the pitch plane brings a launch vehicle to a substantially vertical launch attitude, were powered flight of launch vehicle is begun. The launch vehicle follows a trajectory that crosses behind the carrier aircraft.

Abstract: A launch vehicle is deployed from an aircraft using gravity extraction of the launch vehicle with the aid of a small parachute which assists the extraction and damps the yaw and pitch of the launch vehicle. The launch vehicle is supported on two rows of tires which are rotatably mounted to the aircraft. Gravity and the drag force of the parachute causes the launch vehicle to roll on the tires along the load deck and out of the aircraft. Because the extraction forces are dominated by gravity, the launch vehicle acquires a rotation in the pitch axis as the launch vehicle leaves the aircraft. After the launch vehicle clears the aircraft, the launch vehicle rotates in the pitch plane, and is damped in the pitch plane by the parachute to a pitch attitude which is 70-80° and the vehicle engine is ignited, detaching the drag parachute.