Abstract: Systems and methods for countering an unmanned air vehicle are disclosed. An example method includes detecting a target UAV via a first component of a target acquisition system. The example method further includes, in response to detecting the target UAV, directing, by executing one or more computer-readable instructions of a launch control system in communication with the target acquisition system, an interceptor UAV to launch. The example method further includes, subsequent to the launch, tracking the target UAV via a second component of the target acquisition system, the second component carried by the interceptor UAV. The example method further includes, when the target UAV is within a target range of the interceptor UAV, deploying a disabling element from the interceptor UAV toward the target UAV.

Abstract: Systems and methods for countering an unmanned air vehicle are disclosed. An example method includes detecting a target UAV via a first component of a target acquisition system. The example method further includes, in response to detecting the target UAV, directing, by executing one or more computer-readable instructions of a launch control system in communication with the target acquisition system, an interceptor UAV to launch. The example method further includes, subsequent to the launch, tracking the target UAV via a second component of the target acquisition system, the second component carried by the interceptor UAV. The example method further includes, when the target UAV is within a target range of the interceptor UAV, deploying a disabling element from the interceptor UAV toward the target UAV.

Abstract: Systems and methods for countering an unmanned air vehicle are disclosed. Representative methods include directing an interceptor UAV toward a target UAV, and directing the interceptor UAV back to ground along a controlled flight path, for example, in response to an instruction not to engage with the target UAV, and/or in response to an unsuccessful engagement. Another representative method includes disabling the target UAV by deploying a disabling element (e.g., a net) from the interceptor UAV to contact the target UAV. Representative systems include a target acquisition system, a launch control system, and an engagement system carried by the interceptor UAV. In particular embodiments, the interceptor UAV can have a generally cylindrical fuselage, one or more fins carried by the fuselage, counter-rotating propellers carried by the fuselage, and a disabling system that is configured to disable the target UAV.

Abstract: Systems and methods for countering an unmanned air vehicle are disclosed. Representative methods include directing an interceptor UAV toward a target UAV, and directing the interceptor UAV back to ground along a controlled flight path, for example, in response to an instruction not to engage with the target UAV, and/or in response to an unsuccessful engagement. Another representative method includes disabling the target UAV by deploying a disabling element (e.g., a net) from the interceptor UAV to contact the target UAV. Representative systems include a target acquisition system, a launch control system, and an engagement system carried by the interceptor UAV. In particular embodiments, the interceptor UAV can have a generally cylindrical fuselage, one or more fins carried by the fuselage, counter-rotating propellers carried by the fuselage, and a disabling system that is configured to disable the target UAV.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method to initiate a detonation utilizing an impact switch. A nose assembly is mounted upon a missile or other kind of explosive device. Within the nose assembly conductive elements are separated from one another. The conductive elements are electrically connected to a fuze within the weapon. Upon an impact, the conducting elements within the assembly are forced together thereby completing a circuit in the fuze and initiating a detonation. A method of initiating a detonation utilizes an impact switch within which forcing conducting elements together initiates a detonation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for measuring and adjusting tension in pliant tension members, including aircraft recovery lines. A tool for indicating tension in a pliant tension member in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, for example, can include a first support member releasably coupled to a flexible line suspended from a support structure. The first support member is positioned generally parallel to the flexible line. The tool can also include a second support member coupled to the first support member and positioned at an acute angle relative to the first support member. The second support member has a center of gravity at a selected distance from the flexible line. The second support member is generally horizontal when the tension in the flexible line is at a desired value.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for measuring and adjusting tension in pliant tension members, including aircraft recovery lines, are disclosed herein. A tool for indicating tension in a pliant tension member in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, for example, can include a first support member releasably coupled to a flexible line suspended from a support structure. The first support member is positioned generally parallel to the flexible line. The tool can also include a second support member coupled to the first support member and positioned at an acute angle relative to the first support member. The second support member has a center of gravity at a selected distance from the flexible line. The second support member is generally horizontal when the tension in the flexible line is at a desired value.