Abstract: A portable ballistic shield for use by civilian and military SWAT teams that provides both mobile and stationary cover, protection and a shooting platform for sniper and observer teams deployed behind the shield includes a rectangular-shaped planar member having a front surface that can include camouflage patterns, a rear surface and a lower edge having a rubber strip attached thereto for stabilizing the ballistic shield when disposed on the supporting surface. A centrally located gun slot is cut out adjacent the upper edge of the planar member and pivotally mounted to the rear surface is a pair of support legs for supporting the planar member. A slip-on camouflage cover is provided for covering at least the front surface so that the camouflage pattern can be adapted to suit the terrain and environment, such as urban, desert and midnight blue, where the shield is being deployed.

Abstract: An ejection system for payload deployment in a low gravitation exoatmospheric environment. In its broadest aspects, the ejection system includes an elongated launch tube; a payload mountable within the launch tube; and, a plurality of equiangularly spaced, axially aligned spring members secured to an outer surface of the payload. The launch tube includes pre-deployment payload securing means for securely maintaining a payload within the launch tube prior to depolyment. Each spring member provides a forward and an aft dynamic interface between the payload and the launch tube. The utilization of a plurality of spring members provides payload alignment relative to the launch tube prior to and throughout payload ejection.