Abstract: Helicopters employed in emergency situations have been adapted for a vari of external uses. For example, step and cargo carriers have been attached to the skid supports of these helicopters. Gun mounts and camera mounts have been used. In order to provide for such external rigging, helicopters have been permanently altered. To avoid such permanent alterations straps or belts have been used to hold external equipment. However, the utility of such straps is extremely limited. It creates a stabilization problem. The invention herein provides an external cargo carrier capable of accepting a wide variety of external devices for use in emergency situations without permanently altering the helicopter. A totally self-contained framework is provided which includes stabilization means.

Abstract: In the transportation by helicopter of specialized cargo externally, such stokes litters, personnel carriers, auxilliary fuel tanks, gun mounts, and the like, it is frequently necessary to switch the carrying apparatus from one type of load to another. Normally, in order to provide for such external cargo a helicopter must be permanently altered to avoid the use of unreliable belts and straps. Permanent helicopter modifications are not totally acceptable in emergency situations. A helicopter cargo carrying apparatus is provided herein which is not subject to these objections. A pallet-like frame, upon which the load is secured, or which forms the base of the load carrying apparatus such as a platform or litter is provided.

Abstract: One of the advantages of helicopters is their ability to lift significant ads to extraordinary heights. They do so with the use of various hoisting means that can initially raise the load from the ground, before the helicopter undertakes some movement to the desired location for reimplacement of its carried load. Since cargo retrieving, including carrying, lines cannot dangle dangerously when not attached to a load winch-type hoists are generally employed. There are however certain disadvantages in the conventional mechanisms that render the usage of such hoists somewhat deficient, and even hazardous in certain applications. In addition, some operations require rapid pick-up of cargo or personnel within time constraints impossible for winch mechanisms. The helicopter herein carries cargo retrieving lines by means attached to the underside thereof, adapted to be rapidly lowered therefrom to retrieve cargo and capable of deployment.