Abstract: An aerial cargo container is described that includes a cargo box with a plurality of hinged rotor blades having a stowed position against the sides of the box and a deployed position extending outwardly from the box, and a deceleration and orientation assembly to slow the descent of the container and align the longitudinal axis of the container with the relative wind direction, thereby minimizing damage to the blades upon opening. The assembly includes a drogue chute, a blade retainer to secure the blades in the stowed position, and a folded metering cord attached between the drogue chute and the box, and a segment securing the blade retainer, whereby the cord segments unfold sequentially upon exertion of a force to slow and orient the container, prior to release of the blade retainer to permit movement of the blades to their deployed positions.

Abstract: An aerial cargo container is described that includes a cargo box with a plurality of hinged rotor blades having a stowed position against the sides of the box and a deployed position extending outwardly from the box, and a deceleration and orientation assembly to slow the descent of the container and align the longitudinal axis of the container with the relative wind direction, thereby minimizing damage to the blades upon opening. The assembly includes a drogue chute, a blade retainer to secure the blades in the stowed position, and a folded metering cord attached between the drogue chute and the box, and a segment securing the blade retainer, whereby the cord segments unfold sequentially upon exertion of a force to slow and orient the container, prior to release of the blade retainer to permit movement of the blades to their deployed positions.