Abstract: An airframe apparatus for attaching and selectively releasing multiple payloads suspended from an aircraft. The airframe apparatus includes a collapsible loading frame that is configured to have a stabilized open position and a collapsed closed position. The loading frame is constructed from a plurality of vertical struts and horizontal struts that are hingedly interconnected at corner assemblies to allow the loading frame to be collapsed. A payload hook is connected to each of the corner assemblies by a universal joint. A plurality of legs are rotatably attached to the loading frame and can be extended below the loading frame to support the payload hooks off the ground during landing of the airframe apparatus. Shock absorbing devices are operatively attached to the legs to absorb the impact of the loading frame against the ground during landing. The airframe apparatus is used as part of a cargo management system for transporting multiple payloads suspended from an aircraft.

Abstract: A specially designed support structure is used to mount a pair of conventional elongated bomb racks, each adapted to releasably support either a missile or a torpedo, on the underside of a helicopter on opposite sides of its longitudinal centerline, with the lengths of the bomb racks extending parallel to the centerline. The support structure includes a pair of reinforcing plates secured to vertical sides of longitudinally extending keel beams on opposite sides of the centerline. Each plate has front and rear bottom mounting lugs that extend downwardly through corresponding openings in the helicopter underside. The front and rear mounting lug pairs are respectively connected to opposite ends of front and rear cross beam members, which longitudinally extend transversely to the centerline, by adapter structures that also support opposite end portions of the bomb racks.