Abstract: Methods and apparatus for pointing logic in aircraft are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus to aim an aiming device carried by an aircraft includes at least one memory, machine readable instructions, and processor circuitry. The processor is to at least one of instantiate or execute the machine readable instructions to determine a position of a target, determine an orientation of the aircraft, determine aiming points based on the orientation and a movement range of the aiming device, and determine a movement of at least one of the aircraft or the aiming device based on the aiming points and the position to orient the aiming device toward the target.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for a drag recovery scheme. In various examples, a recovery engine is placed within a vortex flow of air caused by the impingement of air upon a nacelle of a main engine. The propeller of the recovery engine can use the vortex flow of air to provide additional thrust the aircraft, thus reducing the load on the main engines or providing an increased velocity.

Abstract: A multi-projectile launcher capable of firing less-lethal 40 mm rounds or high explosive 40 mm rounds (i.e., HE Grenades) can be attached to robots, drones, vehicles and stationary structures. The robot/drone multi-projectile launcher is remote controlled and capable of 360 degree horizontal rotation as well as vertical panning, and is able to quickly turn and acquire targets. A solenoid controlled firing system for each barrel includes a firing pin, trigger lever and striker, as well as a lockout bar and striker seer to prevent accidental firing (e.g., from impact or sudden jolt). Target acquisition systems include an infrared laser system, a standard red laser system, and an optic targeting system that is monitored through an onboard camera. A wireless network access device allows for remote viewing of live-feed camera images (still frame and video) and control of the optic targeting system, as well as the launcher articulation and firing.

Abstract: An apparatus (112) includes a housing (104) configured to couple the apparatus to a weapon mount (110) and to secure one or more gas springs (102). The one or more gas springs are configured to provide one or more forces. The apparatus also includes one or more wire ropes (114), where each wire rope is fixed at a first end to the weapon mount and has a hook at a second end. The apparatus further includes one or more guides (108) configured to guide the one or more wire ropes. In addition, the apparatus includes one or more bearings (106) configured to facilitate movement of the one or more wire ropes. The one or more wire ropes are configured to couple movement of the one or more gas springs to a tensile force on a front portion of the weapon mount or a weapon (116) so as to counter-balance a weight of the weapon in the weapon mount.

Abstract: A tow plate and active vibration control (AVC) housing configured to couple to a helicopter sponson about an AVC and support a gun mounting system.

Abstract: Attachable/detachable segmented ordnance dispenser systems and methods are presented. A control module targets, fuses, and releases ordnance, and at least one ordnance dispenser segment comprises a rack mount ordnance assembly and a segment enclosure. The rack mount ordnance assembly mounts and releases ordnance under control of the control module, and the segment enclosure comprises a segment door that opens under control of the control module. An aerodynamic shell aerodynamically enhances and protects the ordnance dispenser segment and the control module, and can be coupled to a vehicle.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an adapter for attaching a handheld firearm to an unmanned air vehicle comprises a mounting assembly configured for attachment to said firearm and to the unmanned air vehicle, and an actuation assembly comprising an actuation device configured to actuate a trigger of the handheld firearm.

Abstract: A weapon mounting system for a vehicle, such as a helicopter. The weapon mounting system illustratively includes a weapon cradle supporting a machine gun for pivoting movement about a generally horizontal elevational axis. A carriage supports the weapon cradle and is supported by a pintle for rotation about a generally vertical azimuth axis. An ejection collection device is supported by the carriage and collects spent shell casings and links ejected from the machine gun for discharge through the pintle. A trigger assembly illustratively provides for manual operation by a gunner and for remote electrical operation by a pilot.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating and locking a first longitudinal member with respect to a second longitudinal member. One end of the first longitudinal member includes a locking mechanism having a generally arcuate outer surface with a plurality of deep and shallow notches formed therein. The notches correspond to different positions of rotation of the first and second members. One end of the second longitudinal member includes a yoke rotatably connected to the locking mechanism with a pivot pin. A locking plunger in the second longitudinal member engages the notches in the locking mechanism and is translatable between fully locked and fully unlocked positions. In the fully locked position, the first and second members are not rotatable with respect to each other.

Abstract: A weapon mounting system for a vehicle, such as a helicopter. The weapon mounting system illustratively includes a weapon cradle supporting a machine gun for pivoting movement about a generally horizontal elevational axis. A carriage supports the weapon cradle and is supported by a pintle for rotation about a generally vertical azimuth axis. An ejection collection device is supported by the carriage and collects spent shell casings and links ejected from the machine gun for discharge through the pintle. A trigger assembly illustratively provides for manual operation by a gunner and for remote electrical operation by a pilot.

Abstract: A weapon mounting system for a vehicle, such as a helicopter. The weapon mounting system illustratively includes a weapon cradle supporting a machine gun for pivoting movement about a generally horizontal elevational axis. A carriage supports the weapon cradle and is supported by a pintle for rotation about a generally vertical azimuth axis. An ejection collection device is supported by the carriage and collects spent shell casings and links ejected from the machine gun for discharge through the pintle. A trigger assembly illustratively provides for manual operation by a gunner and for remote electrical operation by a pilot.

Abstract: A gun mount for spanning an opening, such as a door or window, may include a generally tubular bar having a pivot and lock structure on one end. The bar may include a pair of slots formed on opposing sides of the bar. A locking sleeve may be slidable on the bar. A fastener may be fixed to the locking sleeve and translatable in the pair of slots in the bar. A second generally tubular bar may include a yoke at one end and a hinge assembly at another end. The yoke may be rotatably engaged with the pivot and lock structure. The pivot and lock structure may include a locking groove. A spring-loaded locking plunger may be translatably disposed in the yoke and may include a protrusion that is selectively engagable with the locking groove.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an adapter for attaching a handheld firearm to an unmanned air vehicle comprises a mounting assembly configured for attachment to said firearm and to the unmanned air vehicle, and an actuation assembly comprising an actuation device configured to actuate a trigger of the handheld firearm.

Abstract: An integrated weapons pod includes a plurality of pod components such as a targeting system, a weapons bay, a central processing unit (“CPU”), a wireless data link, and an external shell. The external shell houses the targeting system, the weapons bay, the CPU, and the wireless data link in a single freestanding unit. The weapons bay is configured to house one or more weapons and deploy the one or more weapons at a target. The CPU is operable to control operation of the targeting system, the weapons bay, and the wireless data link. The targeting system is operable to provide to the one or more weapons location information identifying a location of the target, and the wireless data link is operable to exchange data with a remote operator.

Abstract: An aircraft turret and fairing assembly for facilitating transmission of a directed energy beam from a directed energy device includes a turret section for directing an energy beam. The assembly also includes a fairing section aft of and adjacent to the turret section. Each of the turret section and the aft fairing section are coupled to an aircraft. The assembly also includes at least one sensor for detecting air speed of the aircraft and air pressure. The turret section and the aft fairing section are configured and positioned relative to one another to direct airflow for generating an aeroacoustic resonance within a desired frequency range in an area aft of the turret section.

Abstract: An armament system for aircraft includes gun mount and ejection system for a machine gun. The gun mount and ejection system includes an ejection chute assembly including a hopper positioned intermediate the uprights of a carriage supporting the machine gun.

Abstract: This device, a modular minihelicopter, is a radio-controlled, gas-powered aircraft designed to perform varying missions based upon the functions of interchangeable modular-systems mounted on the minihelicopter's chassis.

Abstract: An ordnance mounting system for a helicopter operatively supports a weaponry support beam above an upwardly projecting floor obstruction in a cabin area of the helicopter, between opposite cabin door openings, with the support beam longitudinally extending transversely through the cabin area, and outer weaponry mounting end portions of the support beam projecting outwardly through the door openings beyond opposite fuselage side walls of the helicopter. The mounting system may be secured to door opening sill structures, or the cabin ceiling or side walls, and permits vertical bending flexure of the installed support beam due to flight and weaponry weight loads on the outer ends of the support beam.

Abstract: An armament system for aircraft includes an ammunition system and a mount system for a machine gun. The ammunition system includes an ammunition canister and feed system, the canister having a pair of brackets releasably coupled to a pair of receivers supported by a vertical mounting surface.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an adapter for attaching a handheld firearm to an unmanned air vehicle comprises a mounting assembly configured for attachment to said firearm and to the unmanned air vehicle, and an actuation assembly comprising an actuation device configured to actuate a trigger of the handheld firearm.

Abstract: A weapon, representatively a machine gun, is mounted in a crew-served orientation on the outer end of an elongated support beam extending transversely through and secured within the cabin area of a helicopter, with the outer beam end disposed exteriorly of the helicopter. A seat structure, upon which a crew member may sit, is mounted atop a longitudinally central portion of the beam for sliding movement along the beam toward and away from the machine gun. Operatively associated with the machine gun is an ammunition box having a lid portion fixed to the bottom side of the beam end upon the top side of which the machine gun is pivotally and rotationally mounted. The body of the ammunition box is removably securable to the beam secured lid.

Abstract: A light multi-purpose aircraft comprises a fuselage (1); a wing (2); a fin assembly (3); a landing gear (4); a main power plant (5); an auxiliary power plant (7); pylons (10); outboard suspension objects (9) arranged on the undersurface and at the ends of the wing (2); at least one outboard suspension object (9) being arranged on the undersurface of the wing (2) and at least one outboard suspension object (9) being arranged at each end of the wing (2); a gun mount (8) or a guidance and tracking mount arranged in the lower part of the fuselage (1); a controlling integrated complex of airborne electronic equipment (17) with an electric power supply system (16) and an armament control complex (19) incorporating an on-board electronic guidance and tracking system (20); a defense system (21); a multi-purpose control panel (22); a group interaction system (23); an armament control system (24) which are related to each other and to the controlling integrated complex of airborne electronic equipment (17) through a mu

Abstract: An aircraft turret and fairing assembly for facilitating transmission of a directed energy beam from a directed energy device includes a turret section for directing an energy beam. The assembly also includes a fairing section aft of and adjacent to the turret section. Each of the turret section and the aft fairing section are coupled to an aircraft. The assembly also includes at least one sensor for detecting air speed of the aircraft and air pressure. The turret section and the aft fairing section are configured and positioned relative to one another to direct airflow for generating an aeroacoustic resonance within a desired frequency range in an area aft of the turret section.

Abstract: Turret assemblies for small aerial platforms, including unmanned aircraft, and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an aircraft system can include a turret assembly having a payload with a line of sight to a target and a gimbal system carrying the payload. The gimbal system can include (a) a first support coupled to a first actuator to rotate about a first axis, and (b) a second support carried by the first support and coupled to a second actuator to rotate about a second axis generally transverse to the first axis. The payload can be carried by the second support. A housing at least partially surrounds the payload and the gimbal system. The turret assembly can also include a controller configured to direct movement of at least one of the first actuator and the second actuator such that the line of sight is pointed away from a point of impact before the turret assembly contacts the ground or another external structure during landing or capture operations.

Abstract: A machine gun mount for attachment to a movable support arm of a helicopter and for holding a machine gun, the machine gun mount comprising a pintle that is rotatably connected at a first end to the movable support arm, the first end of the pintle providing for rotation of the machine gun about a vertical axis; a gun cradle that is rotatably connected to a second end of the pintle, the second end of the pintle providing for rotation of the machine gun about a horizontal axis; an ammunition magazine disposed on a first side of the gun cradle; and a spent case catch bag disposed on a second side of the gun cradle.

Abstract: A carriage and release system for stores (armaments such as rockets and bombs) on an aircraft includes a bracket adapted for attachment to the aircraft. A pylon is mounted on the bracket for movement in a pitch direction relative to the aircraft. A mechanism is provided to power the pitch movement and position it at a predetermined angle relative to the aircraft. A variety of stores carriers may be employed with the pylon. Subcarriages may also be mounted to the pylon for attaching additional stores carriers.

Abstract: An improved aiming tube pivot assembly for use in a sighting and/or aiming apparatus which comprises an aiming tube axially mounted within an outer tube (or housing). A support ring supports the aiming tube within the outer tube in a gimbal-like arrangement by means of ball bearings and set screws. The ball bearings are secured intermediate the aiming tube and the support ring via apertures in the outer tube. The set screws are threadedly mounted in the support ring and engage the outer surface of the outer tube. A movable cover tube can be mounted on the outer tube and substantially encloses the end of the outer tube and the support ring.

Abstract: A machine gun mount is provided for mounting a machine gun in a movable support arm of a helicopter. The mount includes a gun cradle which is detachably connected to the gun and a pintle one end of which is adapted to pivotably mount the pintle, and thus the mount, on the movable support arm. This enables pivoting movement of the gun in a horizontal plane. The pintle is pivotably connected at the opposite end to the cradle so as to permit the cradle, and thus the gun, to be rotated in a vertical plane through 90 degrees between operative and stowed positions. A locking mechanism locks the cradle in the stowed position. A magazine is attached to one side of the cradle while a spent case and link frame and associated catch bag are attached to the opposite side. The magazine includes an inwardly projecting portion disposed below the cradle.

Abstract: External armament apparatus, including a machine gun, an associated ammunition box for supplying belted ammunition to the gun, a flare dispenser, a missile launcher or other external stores apparatus, and a forward looking infrared sensor (FLIR), is exteriorly supported on a landing gear sponson tow plate of a helicopter, adjacent a cabin area gunner's window. The external mounting of the gun and other armament apparatus frees up cabin space, permits the gunner's window to be closed with the gun in a ready position, and permits a 0.50 caliber machine gun to be used an alternative to either a 7.62 mm mini-gun or a single barrel 7.62 mm machine gun adjacent the gunner's window.

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: External armament apparatus, including a machine gun, an associated ammunition box for supplying belted ammunition to the gun, a flare dispenser, a missile launcher or other external stores apparatus, and a forward looking infrared sensor (FLIR), is exteriorly supported on a landing gear sponson tow plate of a helicopter, adjacent a cabin area gunner's window. The external mounting of the gun and other armament apparatus frees up cabin space, permits the gunner's window to be closed with the gun in a ready position, and permits a 0.50 caliber machine gun to be used an alternative to either a 7.62 mm mini-gun or a single barrel 7.62 mm machine gun adjacent the gunner's window.

Abstract: A detachable mount for a telescopic sight which can be operated using only one latching mechanism. The mount uses a front base attached to the ring of a rifle receiver and a rear base attached to the bridge of a rifle receiver. The upper surfaces of both the front and rear bases open into a pair of slots. A separate scope mount is attached to a scope sight by conventional means. Two sets of lugs descend from the lower surfaces of this scope mount. These sets of descending lugs are configured to fit securely within the slots in the front and rear bases when the scope mount is placed over the bases. The forward facing surfaces of the rear set of descending lugs mate with a corresponding set of rearward facing surfaces in the slots within the rear base. These sets of mating surfaces are offset from the vertical to create a wedging effect that pulls the rear of the scope mount down when it is pushed forward relative to the rifle receiver.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an interface pallet assembly for use between the cabin deck of a helicopter and a large, heavy weapon system. The assembly incorporates a self-contained truss assembly designed to support a cantilevered platform, external to the helicopter's cabin, to which the weapon system's turret is attached. Existing deck connection points are utilized to secure the interface pallet assembly to the cabin deck. The interface pallet assembly adds 20E to the downward angle of fire of the weapon system and provides for azimuth rotation of 180E. The present assembly possesses the rotational stiffness required by the turret stabilization system in order to maintain firing accuracy during burst mode sequences. The interface pallet assembly is fabricated of a variety of strong, lightweight materials so as to not unduly add to the overall weight of the helicopter and its payload, and provides storage or mounting locations for accessories associated with the turret and weapon system.

Abstract: A machine gun and associated armament apparatus, including an ammunition box for supplying belted ammunition to the gun, are exteriorly supported on a landing gear sponsor tow plate of a helicopter, adjacent a cabin area gunner's window, using a specially designed pintle support structure. The machine gun is horizontally rotatable about a vertical azimuth rotation axis which is forwardly tilted and substantially parallel to the similarly tilted rotor mast axis. The gun's upward firing elevation angle is limited to 1.5 degrees when the gun is pointed forwardly. However, due to the forward tilting of the gun's azimuth rotation axis, its maximum upward firing elevation angle automatically increases as the gun is swung rearwardly, thereby desirably increasing the gun's firing range to the side and rear of the helicopter while at the same time automatically maintaining the bullet path of the forwardly pointed gun safely below the forwardly drooped operational rotor tip path.

Abstract: A central support plank section is transversely secured to the floor of a helicopter cabin area at exterior side wall door openings on opposite sides of the cabin area. Specially designed pintle arm assemblies are rotationally secured to opposite ends of the central support plank sections, with each of the pintle arm assemblies underlying and operatively supporting a cabin door area machine gun. Each pintle arm assembly is pivotable about a vertical axis in a manner permitting its machine gun to be horizontally swung into the cabin area to a stowed orientation therein, and is provided with a lock ring/detent structure that permits the pintle assembly to be quickly and easily locked in a selectively variable horizontal rotational orientation.

Abstract: A machine gun and associated armament apparatus, including an ammunition box for supplying belted ammunition to the gun, are exteriorly supported on a landing gear sponson tow plate of a helicopter, adjacent a cabin area gunner's window, using a specially designed pintle support structure. The machine gun is horizontally rotatable about a vertical azimuth rotation axis which is forwardly tilted and substantially parallel to the similarly tilted rotor mast axis. The gun's upward firing elevation angle is limited to 1.5 degrees when the gun is pointed forwardly. However, due to the forward tilting of the gun's azimuth rotation axis, its maximum upward firing elevation angle automatically increases as the gun is swung rearwardly, thereby desirably increasing the gun's firing range to the side and rear of the helicopter while at the same time automatically maintaining the bullet path of the forwardly pointed gun safely below the forwardly drooped operational rotor tip path.

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.