Abstract: An impulse cartridge (IC) cup has at least one aperture defined in a cylindrical sidewall. The first aperture extends radially relative to a primary axis through the cylindrical sidewall from an inner surface to an outer surface. A first electrical connector is disposed in the first aperture. The first electrical connector is adapted to physically contact the impulse cartridge at a first location. The IC cup is adapted to be connected to a canister that houses a payload of a countermeasure defense system, wherein the payload is to be deployed in response to explosion of the impulse cartridge.

Abstract: A propulsionless munition configured to be launched from a hypersonic aerial includes a munition body that is free of any propulsion system for producing thrust. The munition body includes a forward section including a radome assembly and an aft section including a control system. The radome assembly includes a nose radome and a frangible radome cover disposed over the nose radome for shielding the nose radome from high temperatures resulting from aerodynamic heating at hypersonic speeds. The frangible radome cover is detachable from the nose radome upon detection by the control system of a predetermined threshold comprising at least one of a predetermined speed, a predetermined altitude, and a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A door arrangement, for use on an aircraft, includes a door and an actuation arrangement. The arrangement is configured to move the door between an open position and a closed position. The actuation arrangement includes: a first member coupled to the door such that movement of the first member moves the door; a second member pivotally coupled to the first member and arranged to drive movement of the first member, wherein the second member is movable between a first position which corresponds to the door being in an open position and a second position which corresponds to the door being in a closed position; and an actuator arranged to rotate the second member between the first position and second positions. The door arrangement further comprises a fixed stop.

Abstract: A launch system and method for an aircraft include a first ejector, and a second ejector. The first ejector and the second ejector are configured to cooperate to releasably retain a first store having a first length. Each of the first ejector and the second ejector is configured to releasably retain one or more second stores having a second length that differs from the first length.

Abstract: A door assembly for a payload bay (10) having an opening (12), the door assembly comprising at least one door (20, 220). The at least one door comprises: a panel section (22, 222) having a first end (24, 224) and a second end (26, 226); and a first mounting member (30, 230) arranged orthogonally to the panel section at the first end and having a first engagement feature (31, 231) having a rotational axis (18, 218) about which the panel section is arranged to rotate. The engagement feature is arranged to engage with a first fixing member (16, 216) on one side of the payload bay to rotatably couple the panel section to the payload bay. The at least one door is arranged to translate between a closed configuration, in which the panel section is arranged in the same plane as the opening, and an open configuration, in which the panel section is arranged at at least 90 degrees to the plane of the opening, by rotating about the rotational axis.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for towing an aircraft mid-flight are disclosed. The apparatuses include a tow line receiver that is configured for releasably mechanically joining to an aircraft connector on an aircraft to be towed. The aerial vehicle towing system includes an aircraft connector on the aircraft to be towed, a tow line receiver, a tow line, and a winch. Several methods are also provided. These include: a method of towing or retrieving an aircraft in flight; a method of recharging an electrically-powered aircraft in flight; methods of towing and refueling aircraft in flight; a method of communicating between a tow aircraft and an aircraft being towed; and combinations of these methods.

Abstract: A store suspension lug assembly comprises a base securable to a store and a lug portion hingedly movable between an extended position in which it is engageable by a suspension hook of a release unit and a retracted position presenting a lower aerodynamic profile. The lug portion is biased towards the retracted position. A locking mechanism has a locked state in which the lug portion is held in the extended position. The locking mechanism is releasable by action of the suspension hook on the lug portion, e.g. by the suspension hook engaging a portion of the locking mechanism as the weight of the store acts on the suspension hook via the lug portion. Engagement of the suspension hook with the lug portion may maintain the lug portion in the extended position against the bias.

Abstract: A projectile launcher includes: a storage and launching tube suitable for receiving a projectile; a breech sealing one end of the tube; a thruster arranged in the tube between the breech and the projectile, comprising a pressurized gas reserve and suitable for applying an ejection force to a projectile; a plug blocking the other end of the tube, having a locked configuration, in which the plug engages the internal wall of the tube so as to close the tube and to keep the projectile in the tube, and an unlocked configuration, in which the plug is free relative to the tube; and a trigger having a retracted resting configuration and a deployed configuration, suitable for triggering, causing the plug to pass from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration; wherein the trigger is pneumatic and is supplied with pressure by the reserve.

Abstract: A device for accommodating and for releasing a payload on an aerial vehicle having a mounting frame for accommodating the payload, a linear mover for positioning in a cavity of the aerial vehicle, the mover having a base and at least one holding element, and a release device on the mounting frame. The mounting frame has a largely planar opening area surrounded by an opening edge, wherein the mover is coupled with the mounting frame on a side of the mounting frame facing away from the opening area by the at least one holding element. The mover can move the mounting frame linearly and vertically to the opening area at a variable distance from the base, and the release device can hold the payload in the mounting frame and release it selectively from the mounting frame, where necessary, via the opening edge and in a direction away from the base.

Abstract: A stabilization method incorporated with a mobile robot having a body, a plane-pressure sensor, and a movement mechanism is disclosed and includes the following steps: sensing and obtaining a pressure distribution of the body through the plane-pressure sensor; computing a center of gravity (CoG) position of the body in accordance with the pressure distribution; determining whether the CoG position is located within a steady zone pre-defined upon the body; and, providing a reverse force toward a CoG offset direction of the CoG position when the CoG position is determined to be off the steady zone.

Abstract: A storage case, including, at least one door which is moveable between a first position in which the door is closed and a second position in which the door is opened; a platform, which can support an aerial vehicle; and a mechanical connection means which is connected between the platform and the at least one door, wherein the mechanical connection means is configured such that as the door is moved from its first position to its second position the platform is simultaneously elevated; and as the door is moved from its second position to its first position the platform is simultaneously lowered; and a controller configured to control the mechanical connection means. There is further provided a corresponding method of deploying an aerial vehicle; a corresponding method of storing an aerial vehicle; an assembly including the storage case and an aerial vehicle; and a vehicle including the storage case.

Abstract: A warhead includes a gas generator, a plurality of barrels, and a plurality of projectiles. The warhead is configured to selectively actuate the gas generator to generate a pressurized gas that energetically propels the projectiles through and out from the barrels to strike a target.

Abstract: A projectile delivery module to be mounted on an aerial vehicle includes a projectile delivery system including a kinetic projectile and a base system. The kinetic projectile includes a projectile body, an RF receiver, and an onboard steering system including: a steering mechanism operable to change an attitude, orientation, and/or direction of flight of the kinetic projectile; and a steering actuator. The base system includes: an RF transmitter to communicate with the RF receiver; a projectile holder; a target tracking system; and a projectile guidance system including a projectile tracking system and a projectile control system.

Abstract: An aircraft is described with both VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) capabilities and convention airplane capabilities. A preferred embodiment comprises a fuselage and fixed wing, with one boom on either side of the fuselage. Each boom comprises a tilt rotor on a fore end and a fixed rotor on the aft end. Both rotors can be directed vertically for VTOL capability. During cruise the tilt rotors can be directed forward for thrust and the fixed rotors can be stopped and directed along the boom axis, minimizing drag. The described embodiments have advantages in weight savings and maneuverability compared to other VTOL aircraft.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an arrangement (1) configured for storing and launching a payload (3) and a method for launching the payload (3) from the arrangement (1). A body (9) of the arrangement (1) comprises a compartment (15) configured to store and eject the payload (3). An aerodynamic surface (11) of the body (9) is provided with a launch opening (13) comprising a guideway (17) extending from the compartment (15). A sliding portion (12) of the payload (3) is configured to slide along the guideway (17) and through the launch opening (13) upon ejection. The extension of the guideway (17) inclines with an acute angle (?) relative the normal (N) to the centre line (CL) of the elongated body (9).

Abstract: A container for housing and launching sonar buoys of class G (sonobuoy) including a casing partitioned into two portions and automatic and simplified valve means to sequentially eject the buoys from the container.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for launching a payload (3) by means of an arrangement (1), which is configured for storing and launching a payload (3). A launch compartment (5) of the arrangement (1) is configured to eject the payload (3) from the launch compartment (5) via a push-out chamber (7) to an airflow (AF), which during use of the arrangement (1) flows over an aerodynamic surface (9) of the arrangement (1). An air intake (13) is formed in the aerodynamic surface (9) and is coupled to the push-out chamber (7) and/or launch compartment (5) via an internal air transfer arrangement (17) comprising an openable closure member (11) configured to close and open the internal air transfer arrangement (17).

Abstract: There is provided an arming apparatus for a store, the apparatus comprising: a first attachment system and a second attachment system; a linking connector coupled with the first attachment system and the second attachment system; and an arming clip; wherein each of the first attachment system and the second attachment system comprises: a first frangible connector coupled with the arming unit and the linking connector; and a second frangible connector coupled with the linking connector and the store. The linking connector is coupled to the first attachment system via a first coupling arrangement and is coupled to the second attachment system via a second coupling arrangement, wherein the first coupling arrangement and the second coupling arrangement are different. Each of the first coupling arrangement and the second coupling arrangement are manually secure.

Abstract: There is provided an arming apparatus for a store, the apparatus comprising: a first attachment system and a second attachment system; a linking connector coupled with the first attachment system and the second attachment system; and an arming clip; wherein each of the first attachment system and the second attachment system comprises: a first frangible connector coupled with the arming unit and the linking connector; and a second frangible connector comprising a first end coupled with the linking connector and a second end comprising a clip, the second end being configured to pass through a lug of said store and then couple to the second frangible connector.

Abstract: A seat belt system for restraining an occupant of a vehicle. The system includes a webbing and a pretensioner. A cable connects the webbing to the pretensioner. The pretensioner includes a housing, a gas generator, and an outer cylinder connected to the housing. A gas generator provides gases into a pressure chamber in the outer cylinder to drive a piston, an inner cylinder and the cable in a pretensioning direction. A sealing ring is located between the outer cylinder and inner cylinder. The sealing ring is configured to provide a seal to prevent the gases provided by the gas generator from passing. A deflector shield is located between the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder and closer to the pressure chamber than the sealing ring, wherein the deflector shield is configured to deflect the gases away from the sealing ring.

Abstract: A sequencer for use with a countermeasure defense system includes an input signal indicative of firing an expendable, a circuit card that receives the input signal indicative of firing the expendable and an output analog signal from the circuit card that fires the expendable. The parameters of the output analog signal correspond to parameters of a digital waveform.

Abstract: A flow body for an aircraft includes a recess in a surface of the flow body, a first structural component with a porous material and may also include a second structural component with a porous material. The recess includes a front recess region and a rear recess region. The first structural component is arranged in, or on, the front recess region and the second structural component may be arranged in, or on, the rear recess region. An aircraft having the flow body, a weapons system having the flow body and a method for manufacturing a flow body for a vehicle are also described.

Abstract: A dispenser for storing and launching countermeasures, where the dispenser is adapted for storing the countermeasures in a magazine, where the dispenser is provided with at least one launch opening and where the dispenser is adapted to be mounted on an aircraft, where the dispenser includes a body, a bracket and a magazine housing, where the bracket is rotatable with respect to the body and where magazine housing is rotatable with respect to the bracket, where the magazine housing includes a storage space adapted to hold the magazine, and where the launch opening is arranged in the magazine housing. The invention also includes a method for rotating the magazine and launching a countermeasure. The advantage of the invention is that a countermeasure can be directed in a desired angle before it is launched.

Abstract: Provided is an unmanned aerial vehicle including a waterproof container including: a container main body having an opening in a bottom surface defined in a landed state of the unmanned surface aerial vehicle; a waterproof door mounted to the container main body so as to open outward and close the opening; an elastic seal, which is interposed between the container main body and the waterproof door, and is configured to close the waterproof door in a liquid-tight manner; a first door-closing mechanism configured to retain a first door-closing state of the waterproof door; and a second door-closing mechanism configured to prevent movement of the waterproof door in a door-opening direction in a second door-closing state in which the waterproof door has been pushed in a direction of resisting against an elastic force of the elastic seal from the first door-closing state.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods including a launch control box; a multi-pack launcher (MPL) box; and a cable connecting the launch control box and the MPL box, where the cable comprises: an outer jacket, a shielded braid, a first wire, a second wire, a third wire, and a fourth wire, where the first wire and the second wire are shielded by the shielded braid, where the third wire and the fourth wire are outside of the shielded braid, and where the third wire and the fourth wire act as an antenna.

Abstract: A lightweight energetic weapons pod 2 that integrates to unmanned aerial systems 1 that enables the operator the ability to engage targets without flight degradation. The device utilizes an energetic weapons pod 2 that may be reloaded to support sustained combat operations. The ability of the device to function as intended is based on explosive mitigation compression zones and recoilless configurations that allow drone survivability during detonation events.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a release launching system that is operative to receive and retain a drone or other payload in a protected launcher. The launcher helps to reduce the drag of the payload and to protect the payload from environmental factors. The payload is launched when a force initially separates the payload from the launcher and exposes a force generating mechanism. The force generating mechanism may be within the body portion of the device and generate an additional force to assist in separating the payload from the launcher. The payload may be launched using a biasing and fastening mechanism, which may include detachably coupling bracket, to allow for the separation of the payload from the launcher.

Abstract: A projectile delivery module to be mounted on an aerial vehicle includes a projectile delivery system including a kinetic projectile and a base system. The kinetic projectile includes a projectile body, an RF receiver, and an onboard steering system including: a steering mechanism operable to change an attitude, orientation, and/or direction of flight of the kinetic projectile; and a steering actuator. The base system includes: an RF transmitter to communicate with the RF receiver; a projectile holder; a target tracking system; and a projectile guidance system including a projectile tracking system and a projectile control system.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for carrying an aeronautical or launch vehicle to altitude for release to independent flight. The system may comprise one or more mounting elements affixed to a carrier aircraft along a mounting axis and actuatable from a retention configuration to a release configuration. The retention configuration enables the mounting elements to secure the vehicle to the carrier aircraft. Actuation from retention configuration to release configuration releases the vehicle from the carrier aircraft. A detent element is configured to restrict movement of the vehicle rotationally about, and axially along, a roll axis of the vehicle with respect to the carrier aircraft when the vehicle is secured to the carrier aircraft. The system may include an adaptor beam to which each mounting element is fastened, and by which the affixing is achieved. The retention configuration may enable the mounting elements to secure the vehicle beneath the carrier aircraft.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides rolling release launching system that is operative to receive and retain a drone or other payload in a protected launcher. The launcher helps to reduce the drag of the payload and to protect the payload from environmental factors. The payload is launched when a rotating door opens to expose the payload in a bay area. The rotating door may be parallel or concentric to a longitudinal axis of the body portion of the device. The payload may be launched using a biasing and fastening mechanism, which may include detachably coupling bracket, to induce an angular moment and releasing force on the payload during launch.

Abstract: Package delivery systems and methods may include a bistable beam coupled to an aerial vehicle, a bistable hook coupled to an end of the bistable beam, and a package carried by the bistable hook. The bistable beam may move between a reeled position and an extended position, and the bistable hook may move between a closed position and an open position. In addition, the bistable beam may include frangible connections or portions. Further, release or disconnection of frangible connections or portions of the bistable beam, as well as operations of the bistable hook, may be effected by passive or active methods.

Abstract: A warhead includes a gas generator, a plurality of barrels, and a plurality of projectiles. The warhead is configured to selectively actuate the gas generator to generate a pressurized gas that energetically propels the projectiles through and out from the barrels to strike a target.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method to load stores on an aircraft. The device may include a controller configured to: assign one or more stores to the aircraft; and control at least one actuator to: control a position of the aircraft; load the one or more stores onto one or more corresponding lift portions; position the one or more stores relative to a position of the aircraft determined in accordance with sensor information from at least one sensor; and secure the one or more stores to the aircraft.

Abstract: When the tension across the cord's 24 length reaches a predetermined threshold, an activation mechanism within the payload 16 and coupled to one of the cord's 24 ends is actuated in order to activate the payload 16. Activating the payload 16 may include deactivating a SAFU, activating a motor 32 disposed within the housing, or causing flight controls to extend from a housed position. Here, “within the payload 16” may mean part of the activation mechanism is disposed on the outer surface or housing of the payload 16.

Abstract: A restrain and release mechanism for an externally airborne load, includes at least one stiff support for suspending the load and an elastically deformable adaptive member designed to maintain the load at pressure contact against the support. The adaptive member is a three-dimensional monolithic metallic body obtained using an additive manufacturing method and having a flexural orthotropic behaviour.

Abstract: An improved toy vehicle playset contains a tower and multiple track portions coupled to the tower that provide a path for toy vehicles to descend from the top of the tower. The tower may include an elevator mechanism for transporting toy vehicles up the tower and an interactive feature that is configured to interact with descending toy vehicles along the track portions. The descent of the toy vehicles may trigger the interactive feature to also descend from the top of the tower, where the descending interactive feature may attempt to impede or stop the descending toy vehicles along the track portions. In some embodiments, the one or more towers may further include platforms configured to store and retain a plurality of toy vehicles, mechanisms that trigger one or more toy vehicles to be launched from the platforms, and mechanisms for diverting toy vehicles onto the platforms.

Abstract: A system and method palletize containers having electrical terminals for charging electronic devices packaged therein. First, a stacking pattern is determined on the basis of the sizes, shapes, and locations of electrical terminals on both the pallets and the containers to be stacked. These data may be read, for example, with a computer vision system that uses an articulating robotic arm, and may be encoded in a two-dimensional barcode on each pallet and/or container. Next, the robotic arm stacks the container so that its terminals make electrical contact with terminals on the pallet, or on a previously-stacked layer of containers. Then, the placement is tested to ensure that a good electrical connection exists vertically through the entire stack. Once the pallet is finalized, all electronic devices carried thereon may be simultaneously charged during transit or storage.

Abstract: There is provided an arming apparatus for a store, the apparatus comprising: a first attachment system and a second attachment system; a linking connector coupled with the first attachment system and the second attachment system; and an arming connector coupled with the linking connector and a first fuze input of the store; wherein each of the first attachment system and the second attachment system comprises: an arming unit; a first frangible connector coupled with the arming unit and the linking connector; and a second frangible connector coupled with the linking connector and the store.

Abstract: Aeronautical conveying and release device comprising a frame, an actuator releasing a device, a first and second hook holding the device, first and second locking toggles having a locking and unlocking position, first and second cams in contact with the first or second toggle in a first direction, movement of the first or second cam in a second direction causing the toggle to leave the locking position and the unlocking of the hook, a third cam actuated from and returns to an idle position, a fourth cam driven by the third cam into unlocking, the third cam unlocking the first cam, a fifth cam coupled to the first cam, a safety member with lever with a first position which blocks the unlocked cams, the first cam and the second cam being blocked unlocked, blocking the locked toggles, a second position where the lever is blocked by the fourth and/or the fifth cam, and a third position where the lever frees the cams.

Abstract: A container retention and release apparatus includes an actuator a swaybrace and retention assembly pivotally coupled to the actuator. The swaybrace and retention assembly pivot relative to the actuator between a first position to retain a container and a second position to release the container.

Abstract: A cavity system, comprising: a cavity (2) comprising a cavity opening; and an acoustically reflective structure (18, 20) located at least partially within the cavity (2), the acoustically reflective structure (18, 20) comprising one or more acoustically reflective surfaces (24, 26, 30, 32), each acoustically reflective surface (24, 26, 30, 32) being oblique to a plane of the cavity opening (27). The one or more acoustically reflective surfaces (24, 26, 30, 32) may be arranged to reflect incident acoustic waves out of the cavity opening while avoiding reflection into a region (48) at or proximate to a leading edge (14) of the cavity (2).

Abstract: A detonation system for a perforating gun assembly. The detonation system includes a tandem sub having a first end and a second opposing end. Each of the first and second ends is connected to a respective perforating gun. The tandem sub has an inner bore, and a switch housing residing within the inner bore. The tandem sub also has an addressable switch residing within the switch housing with the switch being configured to receive instruction signals from a surface by means of an electric line. The addressable switch is in communication with a signal transmission pin and a detonator pin. The detonator pin sends a detonation signal from the addressable switch to a detonator in an adjacent perforating gun. The wiring connections for the pins may be pre-assembled before the perforating guns are delivered to the field.

Abstract: Fast verification of data integrity of non-volatile memory cells is disclosed. In one aspect, an estimate is made of a bit error rate (BER) associated with the data to be verified without fully decoding the data. If the estimated BER is below a threshold, then the storage system reports that the data meets a data integrity criterion. If the estimated BER is above the threshold, the storage system may decode the data to determine a BER and report whether the data meets the data integrity criterion based on the determined BER. The estimate of the BER may be based on a syndrome weight of the data, a BER of an XOR codeword formed from multiple codewords of the data, or a BER of a sample of the data. Hence, considerable time and power are saved verifying data integrity, at least when the data is not fully decoded.

Abstract: A high transport efficiency aircraft apparatus for precisely delivering a payload at a target area without stopping is disclosed. An aircraft is adapted to fly at low speed and less than 10 feet above ground level over the target area, with a delivery trajectory including a steep descent toward the target area and a steep ascent away from the target area. The aircraft includes a payload bay constructed to contain the payload within the aircraft, and a payload release mechanism adapted to release the payload from the payload bay when the aircraft flies over the target area, allowing the payload to fall and arrive unharmed at the target area unaided by an aerodynamic deceleration device.

Abstract: A system is described and includes a first track assembly for connecting a top surface of a pallet supporting payload to an upper interior surface of a payload bay of an aircraft; a second track assembly for connecting a side surface of the pallet to a side interior surface of the payload bay; and a pallet actuator system for selectively moving the pallet along the first and second track assemblies between a first position in which the pallet is fully extended from the payload bay and a second position in which the pallet is fully retracted into the payload bay.

Abstract: Container retention and release apparatus are disclosed. An example container retention and release apparatus includes an actuator, a swaybrace coupled to the actuator, and a clamp pivotally coupled to the swaybrace. The clamp pivots between a clamping position to retain a container and a release position to release a container.

Abstract: Disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention is a monitoring method applied to a vehicle. The method includes: determining a movement state of the vehicle as a target movement state, and broadcasting a target broadcast control channel signal; and after receiving an access request reported by a mobile terminal on the basis of the target broadcast control channel signal, initiating a monitoring apparatus of the vehicle to monitor an environment in which the vehicle is located. Further disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention are a monitoring device and a computer storage medium.

Abstract: An aerodynamic braking device for a payload casing intended to be ejected from a projectile on its trajectory including at least one parachute connected to the casing by hangers, the parachute and the parachute hangers being housed in a sleeve. The sleeve is wound around an axis of winding perpendicular to its longitudinal direction and attached to a cylindrical housing the axis of which is parallel to the axis of winding, which housing is itself secured to a shell base that closes off the projectile, the hangers being connected to the casing by an extension cable which is wound around the axis of the housing and attached thereto by at least three peripheral break lines which are uniformly angularly distributed.

Abstract: A modular weapon carriage and deployment (MWCD) system includes a strongback structure mountable to an aircraft. Left and right guide struts have respective upper ends attached to the strongback structure in spaced lateral positions. Each guide strut extends downward in a parallel arrangement. Each guide strut comprising a vertically-extending first engaging surface. Left and right suspension modules are engageable to opposite lateral sides of a first airborne store. Each suspension module includes a vertical channel that receives the engaging surface of the corresponding one of the left and right guide struts for relative vertical translation. A locking mechanism controllably locks to first engaging surface of the corresponding one of the left and right guide struts.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides rolling release launching system that is operative to receive and retain a drone or other payload in a protected launcher. The launcher helps to reduce the drag of the payload and to protect the payload from environmental factors. The payload is launched when a rotating door opens to expose the payload in a bay area. The rotating door may be parallel or concentric to a longitudinal axis of the body portion of the device. The payload may be launched using a biasing and fastening mechanism, which may include detachably coupling bracket, to induce an angular moment and releasing force on the payload during launch.