Alternative designs for a solenoid actuated, rail mounted, aircraft payload release mechanism

Two completely different solenoid actuated, rail mounted, aircraft payload release mechanism concepts are studied. Both concepts attempt to provide improvements over a currently in service baseline release mechanism. The existing release mechanism is a spring-loaded detent system requiring the payload to be subjected to a high forward load in order to overcome a spring before payload release can be obtained.;The proposed concepts utilize a solenoid in a novel way. Activation of the solenoid creates a change in the mechanical boundary conditions of the release detent. The change in boundary conditions alters the force required for the payload to be released.;Both concepts have been prototyped and tested. Each has advantages and disadvantages which are discussed in this thesis.