Abstract: An ejector release unit comprising a pair of hooks for supporting a store and an ejection device for ejecting a store supported by the hooks also includes, adjacent each hook, a sway brace assembly comprising a pair of pads for engagement with the upper surface of a store supported by the hooks, the pads being so mounted that during loading of a store they are free to yield, but at the completion of loading are locked firmly in position in contact with the surface of the store by way of irreversible mechanical connections exerting a thrust on the pads and resisting reverse movement. Each irreversible connection includes a slideable member having an end surface co-operating with a wedge-shaped surface on a vertically slideable member.

Abstract: A cartridge holder for fitting into the breech of an ejection release unit comprises a generally cup-shaped body formed of two parts, one of which forms the base of the cup and the other of which forms a continuous cylindrical wall for the cup which fits into the base part. The base part has an external screw thread for engagement with the screw thread in the breech opening and the engaging surfaces of the two parts are shaped in relation to one another so as to define passages extending between the interior of the base part and the exterior above the screw thread, this preferably being achieved by forming the outer surface of the cylindrical part with a number of spaced longitudinal lands extending over the length of the surface engagement co-operating with a smooth and cylindrical inner surface on the base part.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with an ejection release unit for releasing and projecting a store from an aircraft. The unit comprises a releasable latching mechanism for supporting the store, a pair of telescopic ejection guns for projecting the store from the aircraft, a breech for one or more cartridges which, on ignition, produce pressure gas which causes the latching mechanism to release the store and also acts on a piston which indirectly transmits the resultant force to a body of hydraulic fluid, which, in its turn, operates the ejection gun at each side. Preferably, there are two oppositely acting pistons, each of which pistons transmits pressure to a separate body of hydraulic fluid for operating a respective ejection gun. The breeches may be formed in a removable unit which also defines the cylinders within which the pistons work.