Abstract: A net is mounted to hang freely from the end of a pair of pivotally secured arms extending from the underside of a helicopter. The arms and net hang down in a vertical position when the helicopter is in flight and a motorized lifting mechanism raises the arms and net into a forward horizontal position for particular rescue missions or on land. A movable weight is guided along a tube extending adjacent the rear of the helicopter to balance the weight of the arms and net. A resilient bumper is mounted on the front of the net and a locking mechanism secures the arms in the horizontal position. The lifting mechanism is mounted close to the center of gravity of the helicopter to avoid balance problems.

Abstract: An Airborne Rescue Device utilizes an inverted trough-like elongated element secured to the underbelly of a helicopter and extending in a forward-like direction. The free end of the trough-like member is pivotably secured to one end of an elongated rod whose length is substantially the same as the trough-like member. A pulley, capable of swiveling 360.degree. is rotatably secured to the other end of the rod-like member. A line, passes through a hole in the underbelly of the helicopter adjacent the fixed end of the trough-like member and in turn passes through the pulley. A removable harness may be secured to the free end of the line passing through the opening in the underbelly of the helicopter and through the pulley. Tension is exerted on the cable at selected times so as to perform a rescue operation on individuals slung directly beneath the opening in the underbelly of the helicopter.