Abstract: A clamp for internally coupling and decoupling two components can include a base fittable within an interior of at least one of two components to be coupled together. The clamp can also include an engagement member movably supported about the base. The engagement member can interface with and engage interior portions of the two components when in a coupled position separated from the interior portions of the two components when in a decoupled position. The clamp can further include a wedge movably supported about the base to facilitate movement of the engagement member between the coupled and the decoupled positions. In addition, the clamp can include a secure and release mechanism operable with the base and the wedge to alternately secure the wedge to maintain the engagement member in the coupled position and release the wedge to facilitate movement of the engagement member to the decoupled position.

Abstract: A container is used to launch a small aircraft, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), from a host aircraft. The container protects the UAV from stresses during the initial ejection from a launcher that is part of the host aircraft. The initial stresses may be due to turbulence in the vicinity of the host aircraft, high airspeed, and/or tumbling that may result from the ejection from the host aircraft moving at a high airspeed. The container may deploy a drag device, such as a drogue chute, to slow the container down and reorient the container, prior to deployment of the UAV from the container. During the time between ejection from the host aircraft and deployment from the container, the UAV may be powered up and acquire data, such as global positioning system (GPS) data, to allow the UAV a “hot start” enabling immediate mission commencement.

Abstract: A container is used to launch a small aircraft, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), from a host aircraft. The container protects the UAV from stresses during the initial ejection from a launcher that is part of the host aircraft. The initial stresses may be due to turbulence in the vicinity of the host aircraft, high airspeed, and/or tumbling that may result from the ejection from the host aircraft moving at a high airspeed. The container may deploy a drag device, such as a drogue chute, to slow the container down and reorient the container, prior to deployment of the UAV from the container. During the time between ejection from the host aircraft and deployment from the container, the UAV may be powered up and acquire data, such as global positioning system (GPS) data, to allow the UAV a “hot start” enabling immediate mission commencement.

Abstract: A clamp for internally coupling and decoupling two components. The clamp can include a base fittable within an interior of at least one of two components to be coupled together. The clamp can also include an engagement member movably supported about the base. The engagement member can interface with and engage interior portions of the two components when in a coupled position separated from the interior portions of the two components when in a decoupled position. The clamp can further include a wedge movably supported about the base to facilitate movement of the engagement member between the coupled and the decoupled positions. In addition, the clamp can include a secure and release mechanism operable with the base and the wedge to alternately secure the wedge to maintain the engagement member in the coupled position and release the wedge to facilitate movement of the engagement member to the decoupled position.

Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-purpose mounting device for mounting an electrical device to a structure coupled to an airborne object are provided. In one embodiment, the multi-purpose mounting device includes an adapter member and a slide member coupled to the adapter member. The slide member is radially spaced apart from the adapter member to form an open slot, which is configured to receive a portion of the external structural therein to secure the multi-purpose mounting device to the airborne object. A first mounting surface is provided on one of the adapter member and the slide member and configured to support the electrical device.

Abstract: Embodiments of a multi-purpose mounting device for mounting an electrical device to a structure coupled to an airborne object are provided. In one embodiment, the multi-purpose mounting device includes an adapter member and a slide member coupled to the adapter member. The slide member is radially spaced apart from the adapter member to form an open slot, which is configured to receive a portion of the external structural therein to secure the multi-purpose mounting device to the airborne object. A first mounting surface is provided on one of the adapter member and the slide member and configured to support the electrical device.