A sling release mechanism for releasing the sling of a drogue parachute
from a descending aerially delivered cargo pallet. The sling release
mechanism has a body, with which a pivot arm, an inner and an outer hinge
plate articulate. The inner and outer hinge plates articulate in opposite
directions when in use. The inner hinge plate has a cavity or receiver
into which the end tip of the pivot arm may engage. The end of a
parachute sling is placed over the pivot arm, and the pivot arm and inner
hinge plate are articulated to engage the pivot pin end with the receiver
of the inner hinge plate. The outer hinge plate is then articulated to
engage the inner hinge plate, and is held in place with a releasable
retainer. The parachute sling is released by releasing the retainer,
allowing the outer and then the inner hinge plates to articulate, thereby
releasing the pivot arm to articulate, after which the end of the
parachute sling slides off the pivot pin. Other embodiments include
multiple mechanisms for releasing a plurality of slings.