Abstract: A quick release mechanism for a single hook bomb rack which is arranged so that forced overlatch or hypersensitive triggering is minimized by inherent self-adjustment of the individual members comprising the quick release mechanism.The mechanism includes two initially vertically aligned links fixedly secured to an enclosing housing at a proximal end by a fixed pin and having an initially horizontally aligned array of three additional links extending to one side of the distal end of the two vertically aligned links. A member to be released has a tip bearing against an inner surface of the second of the horizontally aligned links and has a tension spring connected between a projecting ear of the released member and the third of the horizontally aligned links.

Abstract: A single station bomb rack includes two cantilevered sway brace arms each ovided with two oppositely placed sway bolts. The sway brace arms are shaped to accomodate a variety of store shapes and each of the sway brace arms acts in a spring-like fashion under loading. The sway bolts are each provided with internal springs which assure continuous pad-to-store contact. Each sway bolt is provided with a force indicating means which signals that sufficient force has been applied to the sway bolt thereby preventing unnecessary down-hook forces on the bomb rack hook.

Abstract: A device for securely retaining a captive element and for reliably releasing said element upon rotation of a control shaft. In its elemental form the device includes a hollow cylindrical sleeve with apertures in the side walls containing ball detents. A captive element fits over the outside of the sleeve and a control shaft reposes within the sleeve. A portion of the control shaft is so formed that the ball detents are forced partially through the apertures in the sleeve and into mating recesses in the captive element when the control shaft is rotated to a first position. When the control shaft is rotated 45.degree. from the first position the ball detents are released thereby freeing the captive element.