Lockheed Martin Corporation

John A Simmons

Joseph M Wurts

Eric D Knutson

John T Reynolds

A protective ballute for a payload launched from an airborne platform includes an elongated shroud member, gas delivery apparatus for filling the shroud member with a lighter-than-air gas to inflate the shroud member. A payload as ballast is provided at one end portion of the shroud member for rendering the ballute heavier than air. Flight control and guidance apparatus is carried by said shroud member for determining a flight path and attaining a predetermined target landing site. A mechanism carried by the shroud member releases the payload from the shroud member upon reaching the landing site while maintaining said shroud member in its inflated state. The shroud member then rises or 'floats' away from said landing site to another removed location, or if desired will self-destruct.

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West Covina, CA, United States of America

John A Simmons