Abstract: An aircraft having a reduced-load wing structure is provided with a controllable canard stabilizer (5G, 5D) at the front end of the aircraft and a controller that controls the canard stabilizer. The controller generates a turn command corresponding to an increase in the lift of the canard stabilizer when, simultaneously, the turn command applied by the pilot to the elevational control surfaces (6G, 6D) exceeds a threshold and the measurement of the vertical acceleration of the aircraft exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A fast-acting, air-to-ground recovery system utilizing a self-propelled projectile which tows a cable towards a net. The cable-towing projectile is launched from a low flying recovery aircraft. Upon contact with the net, the projectile deploys grappling arms which grasp the net. The net is attached to a cargo which is to be recovered. As the aircraft flies over the net, the cable becomes taut while the net and cargo are lifted off the ground and into the air. The cargo is then hauled into the aircraft by a winch.

Abstract: A deployment/retrieval system for a towed body which includes first and second arms, one of which is rotatable relative to the other about an axle disposed beneath the longitudinal axes of the arms. A winch-wound cable passes through both of the arms as well as around a sheave which also rotates about the axle. Prior to deployment or after retrieval of the towed body the arms are in a horizontal position while during deployment or a retrieval one arm is in a vertical position. When in the vertical position, a complementary mating arrangement on the towed body ensures for a positive engagement with the arm so as to prevent excessive movement of the towed body when captured. In order to reduce tension on the cable for irregular movements of the towing body, one arm assembly is affixed in a bearing arrangement so as to allow rotation about its longitudinal axes.

Abstract: The problem of readily picking up a load using an aircraft without requiring ground personnel is solved by a coupling device (15) and a method of coupling a load using same. The coupling device includes a pivot member (17) pivotally mounted on the load having a disposition and configuration that is readily engaged by a hoist line (42) with an end or weight member (43) from above and guided into a retainer portion (22) so that as the hoist line is raised a connection is formed between the hoist line and the load. The pivot member serves as a load-bearing member during suspension. Upon deployment and relief of the weight of the load from the hoist line, the pivot member automatically returns to the starting position and the hoist line and end member are slid therefrom.

Abstract: A mid-way recovery system having an aircraft with a winch and cable system for recovering parachute descending objects wherein a telemetry load link system monitors the strain placed upon a cable by having a telemetry load link assembly connected into the cable so strain data is transmitted to a radio receiver on board the aircraft for monitoring the strain placed upon the cable.

Abstract: The problem of readily picking up a load using an aircraft without requiring ground personnel is solved by a coupling device (15) and a method of coupling a load using same. The coupling device includes a pivot member (17) pivotally mounted on the load having a disposition and configuration that is readily engaged by a hoist line (42) with an end or weight member (43) from above and guided into a retainer portion (22) so that as the hoist line is raised a connection is formed between the hoist line and the load. The pivot member serves as a load-bearing member during suspension. Upon deployment and relief of the weight of the load from the hoist line, the pivot member automatically returns to the starting position and the hoist line and end member are slid therefrom.

Abstract: A system for recovery of cargo floating at sea with a helicopter or ship. A hook is rigidly secured to a float attached to a hoist line. The hook is dragged through the water until it contacts and connects with a buoyant line attached to the cargo. The cargo may then be pulled aboard the helicopter or ship by winching in the hoist line.