Abstract: Portable aircraft arresting apparatus is comprised of a towable wheeled trailer providing a platform adapted to be anchored along a runway or landing strip and which carries component parts to selectively provide a cable-type or net-type aircraft arresting system. In connection with a net-type system, the platform includes a stanchion assembly including a stanchion mast. The mast is stored in a horizontal position relative to the platform and is elevated to an inclined position to support a net together with a like platform positioned on the opposite side of the landing strip. To accommodate selectivity and rapid conversion between cable and net-type systems, the platform on opposite sides of the landing strip are reversely oriented, and the stanchion assembly on one of the platforms is detached and reversely mounted on the platform for the inclined stanchion masts on opposite sides of the landing strip to be parallel to one another and inclined in the direction of landing.

Abstract: Portable aircraft arresting apparatus is disclosed which is comprised of a towable wheeled trailer providing a frame adapted to be anchored along a runway or landing strip and which is adapted to selectively support two different energy absorbing units, one of which includes a tape reel rotatable about a horizontal axis and the other of which includes a tape reel rotatable about a vertical axis. At least partially different tape patterns and paths are required with respect to the tapes on the two reels, and the frame carries sheave components which provide the required tape patterns and paths for the tapes on the two reels. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the sheave components provide selectable tape issue paths, one of which opens laterally of the frame and the other of which opens longitudinally of the frame, thus providing selectivity with respect to positioning of the apparatus relative to a runway.