Abstract: An improved braking apparatus having a jaw type clutch coupled to an electrical solenoid through a ball spline mechanism provides significantly greater braking capacity in a given volume than other types of braking devices. The ball spline is configured to significantly reduce the internal friction load which the electrical solenoid must overcome to apply or release the brake, resulting in a smaller physical size and current draw of the solenoid. The jaw clutch and ball spline are also configured to reduce or absorb shock loads on various internal components of the braking apparatus when the brake is engaged. By configuring the ball spline and jaw clutch to function as shock absorbers in addition to performing their primary functions, the need for separate elastomeric shock absorbers, etc., is eliminated.