Abstract: Container retention and release apparatus are disclosed. An example container retention and release apparatus includes an actuator and a swaybrace and retention assembly pivotally coupled to the actuator. The swaybrace and retention assembly is to pivot relative to the actuator between a first position to retain a container and a second position to release the container. The swaybrace and retention assembly includes a swaybrace arm having a receptacle to engage a post of a container. The swaybrace arm to pivot between the first position to cause the receptacle to engage the post of the container to retain the container and the second position to cause the receptacle to disengage the post to release the container.

Abstract: A multiple advanced missile and bomb ejector rack carriage system employs a carriage mountable to an air to ground (AG) bomb release unit (BRU) on an aircraft pylon. A single MIL-STD-1760 electrical interface is integral to the carriage and has a first power connection and first signal connection. Onboard carriage avionics are supported within the carriage and connected to the MIL-STD-1760 electrical interface. The onboard carriage avionics are adapted to receive communications from an aircraft central computer through the first power connection and first signal connection and provide store specific communications independent of specific original aircraft wiring to at least one ejector and store.

Abstract: An aircraft store ejector systems and subsystems thereof. Embodiments can include a two-reservoir re-pressurization system wherein a remote reservoir is used to maintain desired pressure in a local ejector reservoir. The system can include a release valve having a vent valve and valve piston. The release valve can control release of pressurized gas to a pitch control valve. The pitch control valve can be configured to distribute the pressurized gas between two or more ejector piston assemblies. One or more of the ejector piston assemblies can include multiple concentric piston stages and piston chambers, the piston chambers configured to contain a volume of gas. The ejector piston assemblies can be configured to compress the volume of gas within the piston chambers as the piston stages are extended out from the aircraft. Such compression can provide a return force to the piston stages.

Abstract: An aircraft store ejector systems and subsystems thereof. Embodiments can include a two-reservoir re-pressurization system wherein a remote reservoir is used to maintain desired pressure in a local ejector reservoir. The system can include a release valve having a vent valve and valve piston. The release valve can control release of pressurized gas to a pitch control valve. The pitch control valve can be configured to distribute the pressurized gas between two or more ejector piston assemblies. One or more of the ejector piston assemblies can include multiple concentric piston stages and piston chambers, the piston chambers configured to contain a volume of gas. The ejector piston assemblies can be configured to compress the volume of gas within the piston chambers as the piston stages are extended out from the aircraft. Such compression can provide a return force to the piston stages.

Abstract: A deployment system includes a spring-driven linkage for deploying one or more kicker feet, to push a device to be deployed away from the deployment system. The kicker feet may include fore and aft kicker feet that push the deployed device to obtain a desire pitch in the launch, an example being a minimal or substantially zero pitch. The release of the kicker feet may be controlled by a pair of actuator, such as electrical solenoid actuators, both of which must be actuated to deploy the device. An electrical connection may allow positional float to account for tolerances in the positioning of the device relative to the deployment system.

Abstract: A weapon interface system, and methods of operating the same. The weapon interface system is coupled to an electrical interconnection system of a delivery platform and a weapon system coupled to a rack system. The weapon interface system includes a translation interface configured to provide an interface between the electrical interconnection system and an inductive power and data circuit. The weapon interface system also includes a weapon coupler, coupled to the translation interface, configured to provide an inductive coupling to the weapon system to provide mission information thereto.

Abstract: An aircraft store ejector systems and subsystems thereof. Embodiments can include a two-reservoir re-pressurization system wherein a remote reservoir is used to maintain desired pressure in a local ejector reservoir. The system can include a release valve having a vent valve and valve piston. The release valve can control release of pressurized gas to a pitch control valve. The pitch control valve can be configured to distribute the pressurized gas between two or more ejector piston assemblies. One or more of the ejector piston assemblies can include multiple concentric piston stages and piston chambers, the piston chambers configured to contain a volume of gas. The ejector piston assemblies can be configured to compress the volume of gas within the piston chambers as the piston stages are extended out from the aircraft. Such compression can provide a return force to the piston stages.

Abstract: A deployment system includes a spring-driven linkage for deploying one or more kicker feet, to push a device to be deployed away from the deployment system. The kicker feet may include fore and aft kicker feet that push the deployed device to obtain a desire pitch in the launch, an example being a minimal or substantially zero pitch. The release of the kicker feet may be controlled by a pair of actuator, such as electrical solenoid actuators, both of which must be actuated to deploy the device. An electrical connection may allow positional float to account for tolerances in the positioning of the device relative to the deployment system.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an aircraft pylon system comprises a pylon, a bail bar located within the pylon, an offset bracket assembly, and a lanyard release assembly. The offset bracket assembly comprises an elongated member configured to be placed around the bail bar within the pylon, a bracket coupled to the elongated member, and a lanyard-engaging member coupled to the bracket and offset from a longitudinal axis of the elongated member. The lanyard release assembly comprises a lanyard coupled to the lanyard-engaging member and a lanyard release connector coupled to the lanyard and releasably coupled to the store.

Abstract: A waterborne munitions system is disclosed. The system includes a submersible munitions platform and a remote control module. The munitions platform has a plurality of canistered munitions, either waterborne, airborne, or both, which can be remotely launched via the remote control module.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for shape memory alloy weapon fairings. The shape memory alloy weapon fairings are formed from a shape memory alloy and are configured to change shape in response to temperature changes. At a first temperature, the shape memory alloy weapon fairing has a first shape and at a second temperature, the shape memory alloy has a second shape. Upon deployment of a weapon including the shape memory alloy weapon fairing, the shape memory alloy weapon fairing is heated by the weapon and/or air friction. The shape memory alloy weapon fairing changes shape in response to the temperature change and provides a fairing for one or more structures of the weapon. In some implementations, the fairing covers a protuberance or other connection mechanism of the weapon.

Abstract: A weapon interface system, and methods of operating the same. The weapon interface system is coupled to an electrical interconnection system of a delivery platform and a weapon system coupled to a rack system. The weapon interface system includes a translation interface configured to provide an interface between the electrical interconnection system and an inductive power and data circuit. The weapon interface system also includes a weapon coupler, coupled to the translation interface, configured to provide an inductive coupling to the weapon system to provide mission information thereto.

Abstract: Methods and devices for differentiating an actual air drop of a gravity dropped weapon from an accidental drop of the weapon onto a surface. The method including: connecting a first end of at least one lanyard to an airframe; releasably connecting a second end of the at least one lanyard to a power generation device such that release of the second end with the power generation device initiates power generation by the power generation device; and releasably connecting a third end of the at least one lanyard to at least a portion of an air velocity sensor such that release of the third end one of activates or exposes the air velocity sensor to an air stream; and differentiating the actual air drop from the accidental drop based at least on a detection of an air velocity by the air velocity sensor.

Abstract: Apparatuses, vehicles, and methods to reduce loads applied to a store when the store is launched from the vehicle are disclosed. A particular apparatus includes a launch chamber and a flap. The launch chamber has a first portion configured to receive a store. A second portion is configured to be positioned over an opening in a hull of a vehicle. The chamber has a forward end and an aft end. The flap is positioned a distance from the aft end of the launch chamber. The flap has a first end rotatably mounted proximate to the first portion of the launch chamber and has a second end extending toward the second portion of the launch chamber. The flap is configured to rotate about the first end when the store impacts the flap due to the forces applied to the store by the fluid when the store is launched.

Abstract: An extendable sway brace for a rack for an airborne payload. The sway brace is extendable. A mechanism for extending the sway brace includes means for preventing extension of the sway brace when the pressure exerted by the brace on a payload reaches a predetermined pressure. The means for preventing extension of the brace may include, for example, one or more pre-loaded springs. In this case, extension of the brace is prevented when the springs are compressed by a predetermined amount. The invention also provides a rack for an airborne payload comprising a sway brace of the invention.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a structural body, one or more attachment couplers, and an adjustable store coupler. The structural body comprises a cylindrical portion and one or more end portions coupled to the cylindrical portion. The attachment couplers are configured to be coupled to a bomb rack of an aircraft. The adjustable store coupler has attachment points arranged in a substantially linear manner. The attachment points are configured to couple one or more store systems to the adjustable store coupler.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a deployment device that is operative to deploy Special Material (SM) to protect the vehicle when an enemy infrared (IR) threat is present. The deployment device constructed in accordance with the present invention comprises at least one, and preferably a pair of canisters which are each filled or loaded with SM, then factory sealed to prevent oxidation or contamination. Each of the canisters included in the deployment device includes an input shaft which, when rotated, is operative to transmit the rotary motion to each of four threaded rods. The rods have two primary functions, which are to advance a piston thereby preloading the SM within the canister toward the open end thereof, and to turn rotary metering devices which are located at the open end of the canister. The advancing piston maintains consistent compression in the SM stack within the canister.

Abstract: A low force weapon ejection system includes a hook for engaging a store, a primary sear for applying a primary pressure against the hook, and a secondary sear for applying a secondary pressure against the primary sear. When the primary and secondary pressures are applied, respectively, against the hook and the primary sear, the hook is prevented from releasing the store. When the primary and secondary pressures are reduced, the hook is enabled to release the store. The low force weapon ejection system reduces the size and weight of various elements in a conventional ejection system that requires greater forces for actuating, releasing and ejecting a store.

Abstract: A pneumatic launch system includes a manifold that stores pressurized gas and releases the pressurized gas on command to sequentially open the store retention hooks and eject the store. The manifold includes an eject valve whose main chamber is part of the high pressure gas storage. A hook release valve is controlled by the eject valve for sequential operation of hook opening and store ejection. A manually selectable pitch valve provides pitch setting to proportion the gas delivered to the ejector cylinders. The manifold minimizes flow path restrictions and provides a fast actuation response with minimum variability to unlock the hooks and quickly eject the store.

Abstract: A weapon interface system, and methods of operating the same. The weapon interface system is coupled to an electrical interconnection system of a delivery platform and a weapon system coupled to a rack system. The weapon interface system includes a translation interface configured to provide an interface between the electrical interconnection system and an inductive power and data circuit. The weapon interface system also includes a weapon coupler, coupled to the translation interface, configured to provide an inductive coupling to the weapon system to provide mission information thereto.

Abstract: A missile launching system including a launch rail for attachment to an aircraft and having a longitudinal slot, and at least two hangers for attachment to the missile at longitudinally spaced locations thereof and having a cross-section configured to be received in the longitudinal slot in the launch rail. The rearmost hanger includes two separable main parts, including a first main part for engagement with a respective lateral, first groove section of the slot, and a second main part configured to be attached to the missile and be slidably guided in a second groove section of the slot normal to the first groove section and opening towards the missile. The second main part includes laterally extending collars configured to interact in close proximity with respective rail sections facing the missile. The second main part is configured to separate from the first part when launching the missile.

Abstract: An apparatus for interfacing an external store to an under-wing pylon suspension rack on a tactical aircraft.

Abstract: A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead having destructive elements. The weapon also includes a folding lug switch assembly that provides a mechanism to attach the weapon to a delivery vehicle and is configured to close after launching from the delivery vehicle, thereby satisfying a criterion to arm the warhead. The weapon still further includes a guidance section including an antenna configured to receive mission data before launching from the delivery vehicle and further configured to receive instructions after launching from the delivery vehicle to guide the weapon to a target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an object oriented architecture that includes a plurality of host aircraft interface objects that enable a plurality of different host aircraft or variants to be attached or interfaced to an associated store, such as a targeting pod or a weapon system. The union of all aircraft hosts and variants are packaged and maintained as one executable capable of adapting to the predetermined suite of identified hosts and host variants. At least one or more interface objects provide a virtual translation layer which is dynamically determined and allocated during instantiation. Auto detection of the host aircraft/host aircraft variant provides the specific interface protocol by which the store can process and provide status via a predetermined signal format.

Abstract: A weapon and weapon system, and methods of manufacturing and operating the same. In one embodiment, the weapon includes a warhead having destructive elements. The weapon also includes a folding lug switch assembly that provides a mechanism to attach the weapon to a delivery vehicle and is configured to close after launching from the delivery vehicle, thereby satisfying a criterion to arm the warhead. The weapon still further includes a guidance section including an antenna configured to receive mission data before launching from the delivery vehicle and further configured to receive instructions after launching from the delivery vehicle to guide the weapon to a target.

Abstract: Stores launch tubes and vehicles equipped with stores launch tubes are disclosed. According to a particular illustrative example, a stores launch tube includes a tube member and a flexible seal. The flexible seal couples an exterior of the tube member to a hull. The flexible seal acts as a pressure barrier against an ambient environment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a cable retractor to facilitate removal of a cable connector from an item after release from a vehicle. In one embodiment, the cable retractor pulls in the connector after the item is released.

Abstract: The object of the inventive method and device for controlling and/or extinguishing fires is to extend the range of means for transporting devices to a fire site, substantially reduce the time for the operating preparation thereof and to exclude a fragmentation field caused by the device explosion which ensures the momentary conversion of a fire-extinguishing composition into a fine cloud associated with a simultaneous airblast effect produced to a fire area and a maximum distribution of said fire-extinguishing composition through the fire volume. Said method for controlling and/or putting out a fire consists in effecting the fire area by an airblast and the high-speed flow of the air-dispersed mixture of the fire-extinguishing composition (7) produced by the explosion of a fire-suppressing device (2) which comprises a dispersing charge (8) and a container (6) with the fire-extinguishing composition (7).

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a structural body, one or more attachment couplers, and an adjustable store coupler. The structural body comprises a cylindrical portion and one or more end portions coupled to the cylindrical portion. The attachment couplers are configured to be coupled to a bomb rack of an aircraft. The adjustable store coupler has attachment points arranged in a substantially linear manner. The attachment points are configured to couple one or more store systems to the adjustable store coupler.

Abstract: A transfer of ordnance units from a first aerial vehicle to a second aerial vehicle performed while both vehicles are airborne. The first aircraft is used as an ordnance storage, ordnance delivery and ordnance supplier platform. The second aircraft has the functionality and capability of delivering the received ordnance to designated targets. The first aircraft includes an ordnance storage apparatus, an ordnance transfer assembly, a computer-based highly accurate ordnance transfer control apparatus, and an ordnance transfer apparatus operating crew. The ordnance transfer assembly establishes temporarily a transfer link between the aircraft and utilizes an ordnance conveyor mechanism for the delivery of the ordnance units. The second aircraft includes a multi-use multi-purpose pylon that receives the transferred ordnance in the proper manner. The aircrafts can be uninhabited.

Abstract: A suspension lug for releasably suspends loads under aircraft. The suspension lug has a lug eye and a threaded base and a rotation mechanism is inserted into the threaded portion. When the suspension lug is threaded into a compatible well in the load and the load is released from the aircraft, the rotation mechanism causes the suspension lug to rotate by ninety degrees from an initial orientation in which the face of the lug eye is pointed in the direction of flight to a final orientation in which the edge of the lug eye is pointed in the direction of flight. The rotation of the lug eye significantly reduces the drag on the load. Also described are methods of manufacturing and using the suspension lug of the invention.

Abstract: A system for releasing an article such as a munition or store from an aircraft employs a sway brace or cradle built into the structure of a bomb rack from lateral or pitching motion before it is released. A claw mechanism is driven out of the sway braces into the article to hold the article in place on the sway braces. The claws retain the article in the sway braces until the article is no longer influenced by the sway braces.

Abstract: An exemplary stores launch tube includes an outer tube and an inner tube. The inner tube is disposed interior the outer tube and is configured to reduce load as a store exits therefrom. The inner tube may be made of a flexible material. At least one load-reducing device may be disposed between the inner tube and the outer tube. The inner tube may be received within a canister that has an outer casing that is attachable to the outer tube. Alternately, the inner tube may be attached directly to the outer tube. The inner tube may include more than one tube section. If desired, filler material, such as foam, may be disposed between the inner tube and the outer tube. The outer tube may have a substantially circular cross-section, or an oval cross-section, or any cross-section as desired to accommodate structural considerations.

Abstract: A suspension lug for releasably suspends loads under aircraft. The suspension lug has a lug eye and a threaded base and a rotation mechanism is inserted into the threaded portion. When the suspension lug is threaded into a compatible well in the load and the load is released from the aircraft, the rotation mechanism causes the suspension lug to rotate by ninety degrees from an initial orientation in which the face of the lug eye is pointed in the direction of flight to a final orientation in which the edge of the lug eye is pointed in the direction of flight. The rotation of the lug eye significantly reduces the drag on the load. Also described are methods of manufacturing and using the suspension lug of the invention.

Abstract: A store ejector is adapted for in-flight adjustment of the pitch attitude imparted to a store by a pair of ejector pistons. The pitch attitude of the store is adjustable to correspond to a flight condition of the aircraft at time of store release. The aircraft has a flight computer that provides store release pitch data corresponding to the aircraft flight conditions. The store ejector includes an orificing assembly that varies the flow of pressurized gas to the ejector pistons by translating a mandrel within a bore formed in the orificing assembly. Orifices within the bore are adjusted to apportion the flow of pressurized gas to the ejector pistons in accordance with an optimum orifice setting corresponding to the desired pitch attitude of the store for the given flight condition.

Abstract: A pivotable pylon for carrying stores, such as ordinance, sensors and pods external to an aircraft includes an elongated strongback coupled against an external surface of the aircraft and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof. An elongated pivoting structure is pivotally coupled to the strongback for parallel pivotal movement relative thereto. A locking mechanism locks the pivoting structure in a selected one of a plurality of angular positions relative to the strongback. At least one stores rack is coupled to the pivoting structure for receiving and coupling at least one stores item to the pivoting structure. An aerodynamic fairing may be disposed on the pylon to decrease drag. The pylon can be mounted on either side of the aircraft and in any one of a plurality of longitudinal stations, and enables the aircraft to carry stores that are too large for its equipment bays, and to carry an optimal load of stores.

Abstract: An aircraft object mounting system is formed from three light weight honeycombed metal plank sections—a longitudinally central section and a pair of upturned end sections removably secured thereto. The end sections have bomb racks thereon to which various weaponry, such as machine guns, rocket launchers or missiles, may be attached. The central section is secured to the underside of a helicopter, with small lug structures on the central section extending upwardly into the aircraft cabin area and secured to bulkheads therein. The object mounting system is thus positioned essentially entirely externally to the aircraft and only minimally intrudes into the interior thereof. The mounting system may be used to support non-weaponry objects, and may be utilized with aircraft other than helicopters.

Abstract: A pivotable pylon for carrying stores, such as ordinance, sensors and pods external to an aircraft includes an elongated strongback coupled against an external surface of the aircraft and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof. An elongated pivoting structure is pivotally coupled to the strongback for parallel pivotal movement relative thereto. A locking mechanism locks the pivoting structure in a selected one of a plurality of angular positions relative to the strongback. At least one stores rack is coupled to the pivoting structure for receiving and coupling at least one stores item to the pivoting structure. An aerodynamic fairing may be disposed on the pylon to decrease drag. The pylon can be mounted on either side of the aircraft and in any one of a plurality of longitudinal stations, and enables the aircraft to carry stores that are too large for its equipment bays, and to carry an optimal load of stores.

Abstract: A jet aircraft with integrated, rotary sonobuoy launch system has storage racks for a number of sonobuoys in sonobuoy launch containers; and one or more launcher units in its cabin. Each launcher unit has a pressure shell with a door allowing loading of sonobuoys in sonobuoy launch containers from the storage racks. With the door closed, the inside of the shell can be depressurized for launching a sonobuoy by opening a gate valve that connects the interior of the shell to the exterior of the aircraft. With the gate valve closed, the shell can pressurized so that the door can be opened and sonobuoys reloaded. A control system can be used to rotate a rotary launcher inside each pressure shell so that a selected sonobuoy is moved to a launch position above the gate valve and a launch tube, and a pneumatic system can be used to launch the sonobuoy.

Abstract: A carriage and ejection assembly for retaining different types of stores to an aircraft and selectively ejecting a carried one of the stores away from the aircraft is disclosed. The assembly can include a sway brace having at least one contact location for each type of store, wherein during ejection of the carried store by actuation of the sway brace, the at least one contact location corresponding to the carried store applies a pitch downward moment to the carried store. Another feature of the assembly can include a direct connection of the sway brace to a moveable part of an ejection actuator. Another feature of the assembly can include independent latching and unlatching of plural store retaining hooks of the assembly. Another feature can include a compressor for pressurizing a piston of the assembly that is carried by the aircraft. Yet another feature can include a hook release actuator placed in series with and upstream of an ejector actuator.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated stores ejector rack for an aircraft having an adjustable flow restricting device for variably apportioning the flow of pressurized gas from a manifold to the store ejection thrusters. The flow restricting device includes at least one adjustable valve assembly, having a valve and a valve body, for varying the pressure of gas supplied to the thruster. It also includes a feed conduit connecting the manifold and the valve, and a collar threadably engageable with the manifold and the feed conduit for urging the valve into contact valve body. Also disclosed is a method for apportioning the flow of pressurized gas between a pair of thrusters in a stores ejection rack which includes the flow restricting device.

Abstract: An adjustable fixture for mounting any of a plurality of weapon sets to an aircraft includes a bracket and lugs that are adjustably mechanically coupled to the bracket. The fixture may be adjusted once, to achieve proper orientation relative to the aircraft for boresighting, and may thereafter allow switching of weapon sets, either of the same type or of different types, without a need for re-boresighting. Quick-release fasteners, such as quick-release pins, may be used to couple the weapon sets to the fixture, to allow for easy and rapid change of weapon stores. The fixture may include one or more adapters used to allow various kinds of weapon sets to be coupled to the bracket.

Abstract: There is provided a store ejection system and method for mounting and ejecting a jettisonable store. The system uses a pressurized non-pyrotechnic fluid from a fluid source as the source of energy and the transfer mechanism. An actuation system includes an accumulator for receiving and storing the fluid from the pressure source, a poppet valve for controlling a flow of the fluid from the accumulator, and a controller for actuating the poppet valve to an open position in response to a control signal to jettison the store. A pneumatically-driven jettison mechanism for releasably retaining the store is fluidly connected to the poppet valve such that actuating the poppet valve to the open position releases the pressurized fluid in the accumulator to flow to the jettison mechanism, thereby actuating the jettison mechanism to jettison the store.

Abstract: A stores ejection system for retaining stores on the underside of an aircraft and forcibly jettisoning the stores away from the aircraft is disclosed. The ejection system includes a plurality of ejector mechanisms for releasably holding and jettisoning the stores away from the aircraft, a plurality of storage devices for storing pressurized gas to actuate the ejector mechanisms, and a central control system for maintaining the pressure of the gas, and actuating the release of the gas. The central control system monitors the pressure of the storage devices and heats only those storage devices that have a pressure below the operating pressure.

Abstract: A method of ejecting or jettisoning stores from an aircraft is disclosed that pertains essentially to the over-pressurizing of an on-board gas storage system such that the pressure of the gas stored therein remains at or above the proper pneumatic actuation pressure during all foreseeable temperature ranges. When a control signal to release a store is provided, the pressure of the gas is reduced to be within the desired pneumatic actuation pressure and the gas is then used to release the store. The present invention eliminates many of the concerns associated with prior art ejection systems by providing a method of supplying proper pneumatic actuating pressures during store release without the need for on-board compressors or heating elements.

Abstract: A munition rack comprises a center strongback with an aircraft attachment hookup structure thereon, a first munition deployment structure, including a first munition deployer, affixed to a first outboard end of the center strongback, and a second munition deployment structure, including a second munition deployer, affixed to a second outboard end of the center strongback. The center strongback, the first munition deployment structure, and the second munition deployment structure are preferably dimensioned such that the distance between a first munition deployer transverse midpoint and a second munition deployer transverse midpoint is at least about 19 inches. There is at least one additional munition deployment structure selectively affixed to the bottom of the center strongback at an inboard location intermediate between the first outboard end and the second outboard end.

Abstract: A radial sonobuoy launch system comprising a clam-shell launch tube and method for launching a sonobuoy. The clam-shell launch tube radially releases a sonobuoy and the clam-shell launch tube is reloaded during flight. The sonobuoys are pneumatically ejected about parallel to the airstream. A pressure boundary structure, having a door and a gate, maintains cabin pressure during reloading and launching. Support arms and drive arms evenly distribute the ejection accelerations from the firing mechanism and guide the trajectory of the sonobuoy during release. A clam-shell launch tube is capable of launching a multitude of differently sized sonobuoys.

Abstract: A method of ejecting or jettisoning stores from an aircraft is disclosed that pertains essentially a method of supplying the gas storage system with compressed gas that has a pressure-to-temperature ratio that ensures proper jettisoning of stores under all design temperature specifications, without the need for on-board compressors, heating elements, or venting systems. The invention can be practiced by simply making a temperature measurement, during or before the step of supplying the gas storage system with compressed gas, and determining therefrom the necessary pressure of compressed gas to initially supply to the gas storage system. By so doing, the performance of the ejection system at various temperatures is automatically controlled, regardless of the temperature of the compressed gas immediately after such gas is supplied to the gas storage system.

Abstract: A lightweight multiple missile launch assembly (10) adapted to carry newer heavier Maverick missiles (AGM-65D, E, F, G or K). The invention is illustrated with a BRU-33, 55 or 57 bomb rack (12) adapted to carry two LAU-117 missile launchers (24, 26). The missile launchers (24, 26) are secured to the bomb rack (12) with a suspension unit (20, 22) of unique and novel design. The suspension units (20, 22) allow for releasable engagement of the missile launchers (24, 26). This allows for different missile packages to be deployed in the field.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating aerodynamic objects from an aerodynamic vehicle includes a first element, aerodynamically configured to create nose-down pitching moment, mounted to the object surface, a second element mounted to the first element and projecting into an oncoming airstream such that when enabled, the passing air tears the apparatus from the surface which otherwise supports it. The first element is a body designed to be conformal with the object surface to which it is mounted, and includes a forward end projecting into the oncoming airstream and a rearward end, and is secured to said object surface at the rearward end thereof. A flexible gasket is interposed between the first element and the object surface. The second element comprises a forward end directed toward the oncoming airstream and a rearward end, with the second element being mounted to the first element at the rearward end of the second element.