Abstract: A canister system for a folding aircraft may include a canister housing and a launch mechanism powered by one or more compression springs. A hand-operated drive mechanism may rotate a plurality of threaded rods to drive the launch mechanism from a released position to a cocked position, in which mechanical energy is stored in the springs. A latch mechanism may capture the launch mechanism in the cocked position. The canister may include a housing for receiving and storing the aircraft when the launch mechanism is in the cocked position. A trigger mechanism may release the latch mechanism, permitting the energy stored in the compressed springs to drive the launch mechanism toward the released position and propel the aircraft from the housing at launch velocity.

Abstract: A folding wing for an aircraft comprises first and second inboard wing sections, and first and second outboard wing sections. The first and second inboard wing sections rotate about a centerline hinge, and a centerline spring applies force to the first and second inboard wing sections to rotate the first and second inboard wing sections from a stowed position to a deployed position. At least one of the first and second inboard wing sections translates along the axis of rotation of the first and second inboard wing sections as they move from the stowed to the deployed positions. The first and second outboard wing sections rotate between the stowed and the deployed positions about first and second outboard hinges.