Abstract: A hoisting system for hoisting a load relative to a body includes a hoisting cable, a hoisting mechanism selectively operable to deploy and retract the hoisting cable, and a guide mechanism movably mounted to the body at a position between the body and the hoisting cable. The guide mechanism includes at least one locking device that selectively locks the guide mechanism against movement in a first direction.

Abstract: A rope deployment mechanism includes a load beam pivotable between an open position and a closed position. Also included is a linkage assembly engaged with the load beam in the closed position and moveable to allow the load beam to pivot to the open position. Further included is a locking rod operatively coupled to the linkage assembly. Yet further included is a sliding member translatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the sliding member is engaged with the locking rod to prevent movement of the locking rod and the linkage assembly in the locked position, and wherein the locking rod and the linkage assembly are moveable in the unlocked position. Also included is a lever configured to actuate movement of the linkage assembly to allow the load beam to move to the open position.

Abstract: A harness includes a primary locking mechanism, at least one strap of webbing coupled to a primary locking mechanism, and a secondary locking mechanism associated with the at least one strap of webbing. The secondary locking mechanism is located downstream from the primary locking mechanism and is movable to selectively contact the at least one strap of webbing to restrict movement of the at least one strap of webbing relative to the secondary locking mechanism.

Abstract: A hoisting system for hoisting a load relative to a body includes a hoisting cable, a hoisting mechanism selectively operable to deploy and retract the hoisting cable, and a guide mechanism movably mounted to the body at a position between the body and the hoisting cable. The guide mechanism includes at least one locking device that selectively locks the guide mechanism against movement in a first direction.

Abstract: An inertia reel mount for a seat includes a slide, a carriage arranged to support a seatbelt inertia reel, and a damper. The carriage is movable between first and second positions relative to the slide. The damper is fixed to the slide, is arranged between the carriage and the slide to oppose movement of the carriage, and is arranged to absorb kinetic energy from the carriage from sudden acceleration of a seat occupant secured in the seat by the seatbelt as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An inertia reel mount for a seat includes a slide, a carriage arranged to support a seatbelt inertia reel, and a damper. The carriage is movable between first and second positions relative to the slide. The damper is fixed to the slide, is arranged between the carriage and the slide to oppose movement of the carriage, and is arranged to absorb kinetic energy from the carriage from sudden acceleration of a seat occupant secured in the seat by the seatbelt as the carriage moves from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A rope deployment mechanism includes a load beam pivotable between an open position and a closed position. Also included is a linkage assembly engaged with the load beam in the closed position and moveable to allow the load beam to pivot to the open position. Further included is a locking rod operatively coupled to the linkage assembly. Yet further included is a sliding member translatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the sliding member is engaged with the locking rod to prevent movement of the locking rod and the linkage assembly in the locked position, and wherein the locking rod and the linkage assembly are moveable in the unlocked position. Also included is a lever configured to actuate movement of the linkage assembly to allow the load beam to move to the open position.

Abstract: An emergency pod configured for use with a rotary wing aircraft is provided including a rigid, generally hollow shell. An inflatable raft is arranged within an interior portion of the hollow shell. The life raft is coupled to an inflation mechanism. A first activation device and a second activation device are operably coupled to the inflation mechanism, the second activation device being disposed within the shell and fastened to a movable portion of the shell, wherein the first activation device and the second activation device operable independently of one another. Inflation of the inflatable raft is initiated when a force is applied to one of the first activation device and the second activation device.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a fixed mounting structure that includes a first fixed fitting including a plurality of first flanges and a second fixed fitting. A rotatable mounting structure has a swivel fitting configured to engage and swivel with respect to the first fixed fitting. The swivel fitting includes a plurality of second flanges, one of which is configured to rest on one of the plurality of first flanges when the swivel fitting and first fixed fitting are engaged. The rotatable mounting structure also has a slide fitting configured to slide with respect to the second fixed fitting based on the swivel fitting being engaged with the first fixed fitting. An adjustment assembly is arranged at an interface between the second fixed fitting and the slide fitting. The adjustment assembly is configured to adjust an angular position of the slide fitting relative to the swivel fitting.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus includes a fixed mounting structure that is fixed relative to a vehicle wing, the fixed mounting structure including a first fixed fitting and a second fixed fitting. The mounting apparatus further includes a rotatable mounting structure having a swivel fitting configured to engage the first fixed fitting and to swivel with respect to the first fixed fitting, the rotatable mounting structure also having a slide fitting configured to slide with respect to the second fixed fitting based on the swivel fitting being engaged with the first fixed fitting.

Abstract: An emergency pod configured for use with a rotary wing aircraft is provided including a rigid, generally hollow shell. The shell includes a movable portion configured to move between a closed position and an open position. An inflatable raft is arranged within an interior portion of the hollow shell. The life raft is coupled to an inflation mechanism. A first activation device and a second activation device are operably coupled to the inflation mechanism. The first activation device and the second activation device are configured to operate the inflation mechanism to initiation inflation of the life raft when a force is applied thereto.

Abstract: An eccentric fitting assembly includes an outer eccentric fitting which defines an outer axis, the outer eccentric fitting defines an opening offset from the outer axis and an inner eccentric fitting which defines an inner axis, the inner eccentric fitting defines a stud opening offset from the inner axis, the inner eccentric fitting receivable within the opening.

Abstract: An eccentric fitting assembly includes an outer eccentric fitting which defines an outer axis, the outer eccentric fitting defines an opening offset from the outer axis and an inner eccentric fitting which defines an inner axis, the inner eccentric fitting defines a stud opening offset from the inner axis, the inner eccentric fitting receivable within the opening.

Abstract: A towed vehicle deployment and retrieval system for attachment to an aircraft. The system includes a pylon support that is designed to mount to an aircraft and project outward therefrom. A stores pylon is mounted to the pylon support. The stores pylon has at least one swaybrace reciprocally attached to it for removably engaging with a towed vehicle. The system also includes a winch that is configured for mounting within the aircraft. The winch controls the feeding and retrieval of a winch cable that is attached to the towed vehicle. A tow cable is removably attached to the aircraft and is engaged with the winch cable using a tow pole such that the tow cable fully supports the towed vehicle when the towed vehicle is in the towing position. A method is also disclosed for attaching a winch cable and towed vehicle to a tow cable.

Abstract: One embodiment of a mechanical emergency dual-release mechanism for use in combination with a helicopter external cargo hook system that includes a cargo hook assembly that is operative to jettison an externally-attached cargo includes an interface member for mounting the dual-release mechanism in rigid combination with the cargo hook assembly, a pulley axle mounted in rigid combination with the interface member, a cockpit pulley assembly mounted in rotatable combination with the pulley axle, a cabin pulley assembly mounted in rotatable combination with the pulley axle, and a displacement transfer member that operatively interconnects the cockpit pulley assembly and the cabin pulley assembly. The cabin pulley assembly is functionally interconnected to the cargo hook assembly and operative in response to a mechanical stimulus generated by means of the cockpit pulley assembly or the cabin pulley assembly to activate the cargo hook assembly to jettison the externally-attached cargo.

Abstract: An inertial restraint mechanism restrains a rail mounted missile against forward movement along a missile launch rail in response to a deceleration force. The restraint mechanism comprises a mass the movement of which is opposed by a spring force. When the mass overcomes the spring force due to a deceleration force in excess of a threshold magnitude, a locking mechanism is activated to a missile restraining position, thereby restraining the missile against forward movement. The restraint mechanism is locked in the missile restraining position to prevent release of a missile in response to multiple deceleration forces experienced by the missile and launch rail. Additionally, a detent may be provided which prevents actuation of the restraint mechanism to the missile restraining position unless the missile is stored in a storage compartment.