Abstract: A suspendible carrier is provided for receiving and carrying cargo from an aircraft. A detachable ground assembly releasably engages cargo to the carrier, and has a coupling means consisting of an elongate vertically-oriented shank having a coupling, such as a widened head, at its upper end. A pylon or other support structure holds the coupling in a vertical position prior to pickup by the helicopter. A cargo suspension assembly is suspended from the cable, and has a coupling engagement apparatus to releasably engage the coupling. The coupling engagement apparatus has a receiving portion to engage the coupling and a retaining portion to retain the coupling. The receiving portion may consist of a panel hinged with a one-way hinge to the engagement apparatus. The coupling is transported from the receiving portion to the retainer portion, preferably by maintaining the coupling engagement apparatus in a rearwardly-tilted orientation to permit couplings to slide towards the retainer portion.