System and method for carrying an aeronautical or launch vehicle to altitude for release to flight
US12151813B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 9, 2021 |
| Grant date | Nov 26, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 14, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF42B3/006
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for carrying an aeronautical or launch vehicle to altitude for release to flight may involve a multiplicity of mounting elements affixed to a carrier aircraft in distributed fashion along a mounting axis. Each mounting element may include a cradle and a retention strap. Each retention strap may be suspendedly attached to a respective cradle, and actuatable from a retention configuration to a release configuration. The retention configuration allows the retention straps to clampingly secure the vehicle to the respective cradles. The actuation of the retention straps from the retention configuration to the release configuration may disable the clamping securement and thereby release the vehicle to drop away from the cradles. For one or more of the retention straps, the actuation may be by way of detonating at least one corresponding pyrotechnic fastener.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.