Abstract: An aerial delivery system carrying cargo from an aircraft to ground includes a platform for supporting the cargo; a main parachute for carrying the platform when the platform has exited the aircraft, is airborne, and the main parachute is deployed; a main parachute deployment line to deploy the main parachute, an extraction parachute coupled to the platform and arranged for generating a drag force and exerting the drag force on the platform; and a coupling arrangement switchable between an open configuration where the main parachute deployment line is uncoupled from the extraction parachute and a closed configuration where the main parachute deployment line is coupled to the extraction parachute. When the extraction parachute exerts the drag force on the platform, the coupling arrangement is initially in the open configuration until the coupling arrangement is switched to the closed configuration to couple the main parachute deployment line to the extraction parachute.

Abstract: A disconnect assembly for disconnecting a payload from a delivery platform includes a disconnect device for providing a releasable connection between the payload and the delivery platform. The disconnect assembly also includes an actuation mechanism for actuating release of the releasable connection, and a trigger mechanism for triggering the actuation mechanism to release the releasable connection. The trigger mechanism is automated such that the trigger mechanism can trigger the actuation mechanism without requiring operator intervention at the trigger mechanism. Also provided is a kit of parts, a delivery apparatus and a method of disconnecting a payload from a delivery platform.

Abstract: A disconnect assembly configured to disconnect a parachute of an aerial delivery apparatus from a payload includes a detector device, a disconnect device, and a transmit cable. The detector device is configured to detect that the aerial delivery apparatus has landed, the disconnect device is configured to provide a releasable connection between the parachute and the payload, and the transmit cable is configured to transmit a mechanical trigger force from the detector device to the disconnect device. When the detector device detects that the aerial delivery apparatus has landed, the transmit cable transmits a mechanical trigger force from the detector device to the disconnect device and the disconnect device releases the connection between the parachute and the payload.

Abstract: A disconnect assembly for disconnecting a payload from a delivery platform includes a disconnect device for providing a releasable connection between the payload and the delivery platform. The disconnect assembly also includes an actuation mechanism for actuating release of the releasable connection, and a trigger mechanism for triggering the actuation mechanism to release the releasable connection. The trigger mechanism is automated such that the trigger mechanism can trigger the actuation mechanism without requiring operator intervention at the trigger mechanism. Also provided is a kit of parts, a delivery apparatus and a method of disconnecting a payload from a delivery platform.

Abstract: A safety link assembly for use with an aerial delivery apparatus, the assembly comprising a main body, an ejectable connector, a retaining mechanism comprising a retaining lever rotatably mounted on a rotary axis on the main body and rotatable between a first retaining position, and a second releasing position, and a securing mechanism comprising a securing member moveable between a first securing position, and a second non-securing position, wherein the distance from the first region of the retaining lever to the rotary axis is less than the distance from the second region of the retaining lever to the rotary axis. Methods of performing an aerial delivery from an aircraft are also included.

Abstract: A disconnect assembly configured to disconnect a parachute of an aerial delivery apparatus from a payload includes a detector device, a disconnect device, and a transmit cable. The detector device is configured to detect that the aerial delivery apparatus has landed, the disconnect device is configured to provide a releasable connection between the parachute and the payload, and the transmit cable is configured to transmit a mechanical trigger force from the detector device to the disconnect device. When the detector device detects that the aerial delivery apparatus has landed, the transmit cable transmits a mechanical trigger force from the detector device to the disconnect device and the disconnect device releases the connection between the parachute and the payload.