Abstract: When the tension across the cord's 24 length reaches a predetermined threshold, an activation mechanism within the payload 16 and coupled to one of the cord's 24 ends is actuated in order to activate the payload 16. Activating the payload 16 may include deactivating a SAFU, activating a motor 32 disposed within the housing, or causing flight controls to extend from a housed position. Here, “within the payload 16” may mean part of the activation mechanism is disposed on the outer surface or housing of the payload 16.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a payload activation device. The payload activation device comprises a camera having a fixed focal length, arranged to capture an image of an object on a platform for carrying a payload having the payload activation device, wherein, when the payload is in a first position relative to the platform, the image of the object is in a first focused state and, when the payload is in a second position relative to the platform, the image of the object is in a second focused state. The payload activation device also comprises a processor configured to determine whether the image of the object is in the first focused state or the second focused state and to cause actuation of an activation mechanism within the payload when the image of object is in the second focused state to activate the payload. The present disclosure also provides a deployable payload having the payload activation device and an aircraft for carrying the deployable payload.

Abstract: The present invention provides a payload activation device, the device comprising a housing; a cord disposed within the housing and arranged to be coupled at a first end to an activation mechanism within a payload; and a retardation device coupled to the second end of the cord, wherein, in a first configuration, the retardation device is retained within or adjacent to the housing, and, in a second configuration, the retardation device is released from the housing to tauten the cord, and wherein, at a predetermined tension, the cord activates the activation mechanism. The present invention also provides a deployable payload having the payload activation device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a payload activation device. The payload activation device comprises a camera having a fixed focal length, arranged to capture an image of an object on a platform for carrying a payload having the payload activation device, wherein, when the payload is in a first position relative to the platform, the image of the object is in a first focused state and, when the payload is in a second position relative to the platform, the image of the object is in a second focused state. The payload activation device also comprises a processor configured to determine whether the image of the object is in the first focused state or the second focused state and to cause actuation of an activation mechanism within the payload when the image of object is in the second focused state to activate the payload. The present disclosure also provides a deployable payload having the payload activation device and an aircraft for carrying the deployable payload.