Abstract: A grapple assembly suspended as an external load from an associated flying vehicle includes a frame member secured to an associated load line suspended from the associated vehicle. The frame member includes a first section, a second section, and a hinge joint connecting the first section to the second section. A grapple mechanism is mounted to the frame member second section. If desired, an aerodynamic body can be mounted to the frame member so as to encase at least a portion of the frame member. A release mechanism can be provided for jettisoning at least a portion of the aerodynamic body. The release mechanism can be triggered by an operator who can be stationed in the flying vehicle.

Abstract: A grapple assembly suspended as an external load from an associated flying vehicle includes a frame member secured to an associated load line suspended from the associated vehicle. The frame member includes a first section, a second section, and a hinge joint connecting the first section to the second section. A grapple mechanism is mounted to the frame member second section. If desired, an aerodynamic body can be mounted to the frame member so as to encase at least a portion of the frame member. A release mechanism can be provided for jettisoning at least a portion of the aerodynamic body. The release mechanism can be triggered by an operator who can be stationed in the flying vehicle.

Abstract: An aerodynamically controlled grapple assembly includes a frame member secured to an associated load line and a streamlined body mounted to the frame member. The streamlined body includes a main lifting surface extending away from the body in a first direction and a vertical stabilizer extending away from the body in a second direction. A pair of grapple arms are movably connected to the frame member.

Abstract: An aerodynamically controlled grapple assembly includes a frame member secured to an associated load line and a streamlined body mounted to the frame member. The streamlined body includes a main lifting surface extending away from the body in a first direction and a vertical stabilizer extending away from the body in a second direction. A pair of grapple arms are movably connected to the frame member.

Abstract: An aerodynamically controlled grapple assembly includes a frame member secured to an associated load line and a streamlined body mounted to the frame member. The streamlined body includes a main lifting surface extending away from the body in a first direction and a vertical stabilizer extending away from the body in a second direction. A pair of grapple arms are movably connected to the frame member.

Abstract: An aerodynamically controlled grapple assembly includes a frame member secured to an associated load line and a streamlined body mounted to the frame member. The streamlined body includes a main lifting surface extending away from the body in a first direction and a vertical stabilizer extending away from the body in a second direction. A pair of grapple arms are movably connected to the frame member.

Abstract: An airbeam, inflated to create a structural member, has three functional layers in its wall: a flexible gas barrier and a braided reinforcing layer plus the novelty of an additional braided layer. Key design factors are the bias angles of the braids in the two braided layers: that of the inner one greater than 54.7 degrees bias angle and of the outer one less than 54.7 degrees bias angle. The two layers of braid being slipped over another allows the airbeam to be formed with bends for a wide variety of shapes.

Abstract: A wing is presented that unfolds in a chordwise direction upon the launch of its aircraft at some velocity as it is projected into the air or launched from a moving craft at altitude. The wing is made up of two or more stiff, upper segments including the leading edge with foam used to complete the underneath wing shape. The foam is covered with a film of plastic or composite material to makeup the underneath shape of the wing as supported by the foam. The foam can be pressurized to enhance its final shape in support of the underneath film. The upper segments are joined by hinges using twisted, staked pins to provide force for the desired wing unfolding. Aerodynamic forces also enhance the unfolding motion. The wing can be used on a craft to be deployed at higher air speeds than any other type of folding wing of comparable stowing efficiency.

Abstract: The capture of payloads carried by a descending parafoil is facilitated by the use of a trailing line from the parafoil that is snagged by a hook on a recovery line from a helicopter. The trailing line can be more easily snagged by the use of a drogue at its end to facilitate the extension of the trailing line. The trailing line can take the form of a loop extending from the parafoil canopy. The trailing line can actuate a slider to collapse the parafoil's suspension lines and canopy for easier handling by the capturing helicopter. Cutters can be installed on the lines holding the load to cut those lines when the recovery line pulls to hoist the load, thus separating the parafoil from the load as the load is lifted by the helicopter.

Abstract: The capture of payloads carried by a descending parafoil is facilitated by the use of a trailing line from the parafoil that is snagged by a hook on a recovery line from a helicopter. The trailing line can be more easily snagged by the use of a drogue at its end to facilitate the extension of the trailing line. The trailing line can take the form of a loop extending from the parafoil canopy. The trailing line can actuate a slider to collapse the parafoil's suspension lines and canopy for easier handling by the capturing helicopter. Cutters can be installed on the lines holding the load to cut those lines when the recovery line pulls to hoist the load, thus separating the parafoil from the load as the load is lifted by the helicopter.

Abstract: A control for a parachute trajectory is based on upward tipping of the canopy or by later righting a tipped position by upward movement of a different part of the canopy and then possibly tipping a different position upward, all a function of the needed parachute movement in some horizontal direction, and all achieved by paying out the length of selected risers around the canopy. All control physical action is based on paying-out various riser lengths. Only braking of the pay-out reels is involved. No shortening or reeling-in of lines and no power for such is involved in this light-weight control system.

Abstract: Provided are systems for attaching one or more explosive device(s) to a flexible linear support, related methods and devices, and methods of using the charge assemblies thus produced.

Abstract: An inflatable wing containing high pressure inflated spars incorporates open cell foam filling the space within the wing. The foam inflates to a shape in tension which defines the surface contour of the wing. An inflated tube, similar to the spars, is used as a torque tube to actuate the control surface of the wing.

Abstract: The ground impact velocity of a parachutist is reduced by a single, length-shortening, retraction device mounted between the parachute riser webbings. The gas generator-activated retraction device is activated by a ground proximity device based on electromagnetic or ultrsonic radiation reflected from the ground. The retraction device is fully integrated, eliminating any need for wires or connectors. An alternative design for the ground sensor is a wire-dangled mechanical ground sensor. The system allows steering of the descending parachute.

Abstract: A paraglider having ram-air inflated left and right wings and supported above a pilot by suspension lines, the wings consisting of foldable and flexible sheet material and defining front openings to receive ram-air to inflate the wings in flight, the combination comprising; fluid inflated spar tube means extending spanwise in stiffening relation to the wings, to assist in supporting and shaping the wings in flight; spar tube means extending in such proximity to the front openings as to resist tuck under and collapse of the wings, at low angles of attack; spar tube means consisting of material which is flexible and foldable when the spar tube means is not inflated.