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: An electrical connector disposed between a store and an aircraft or dispenser comprises a first store-side part mechanically connected to the store and a second aircraft-side complementary part connected to an electrical cable attached to the aircraft or dispenser at a forward end, the aircraft-side part comprising a core containing electrical contacts and an outer shell engagable with the store-side part to securely retain the aircraft-side part in mating engagement with the store-side part while the store is being carried by the aircraft, the outer shell being adapted to be pulled off the store-side part as the store is separated from the aircraft, the outer shell being formed as a separate component or assembly, removably attached to the aircraft-side part core.

Abstract: A snatch connector is provided with a disconnection lanyard assembly including a tensioner assembly including a spreader bar, cables, and a cable reel. The reel may be set to allow paying out of the cable or to pull in the cable and when set to pull in, will resist paying out of the cable, thereby providing a tensile force for snatch disconnection.