Abstract: Disclosed is a system for loading and deploying equipment from a flying aircraft. The system comprises a container containing the equipment, the container having a first end, a second end below the first end and a piston which prior to deployment, is located towards the first end of the container; and a deployment apparatus comprising a mounting device engageable with the first end of the container, a receiving structure for receiving the second end of the container, the receiving structure having an elevating device for raising the container to a position to permit the mounting device to engage the first end of the container, and a source of pressurized gas and a mechanism to apply the pressurized gas to the interior of the container for moving the piston axially of the container towards the second end for urging the equipment to be deployed from the second end of the container.