Abstract: One embodiment of a mechanical emergency dual-release mechanism for use in combination with a helicopter external cargo hook system that includes a cargo hook assembly that is operative to jettison an externally-attached cargo includes an interface member for mounting the dual-release mechanism in rigid combination with the cargo hook assembly, a pulley axle mounted in rigid combination with the interface member, a cockpit pulley assembly mounted in rotatable combination with the pulley axle, a cabin pulley assembly mounted in rotatable combination with the pulley axle, and a displacement transfer member that operatively interconnects the cockpit pulley assembly and the cabin pulley assembly. The cabin pulley assembly is functionally interconnected to the cargo hook assembly and operative in response to a mechanical stimulus generated by means of the cockpit pulley assembly or the cabin pulley assembly to activate the cargo hook assembly to jettison the externally-attached cargo.