SOFT LANDINGS SYSTEM FOR A LOAD IN FREE FALL, IN PARTICULAR FOR A VEHICLE, SUCH AS A PILOTED VEHICLE WITHOUT A DRIVER ON BOARD

摘要

A soft landing system (10) includes an air cushion structure (12) includes a housing portion (14), adapted to house a load (V); a support portion (15), connected to the housing portion (14) and inflatable with fluid under pressure. Tubular elements (16; 116) are adapted to be inflated, thus taking an outstretched configuration in which the tubular elements (16; 116) support the housing portion (14). A breather apparatus (17) is adapted to gradually deflate the tubular elements (16; 116) when the structure 812) is free falling integrally with the load (V) and the support portion (15) hits the ground.