Payload engagement systems and related methods

A payload engagement system for selectively coupling a payload to a vehicle, comprising:

• a vehicle that includes at least one engagement latch;
• and
• a payload that includes at least one engagement receptor;
• wherein each engagement latch is configured to selectively engage a corresponding engagement receptor of the at least one engagement receptor to selectively couple the payload to the vehicle;
• wherein each engagement latch is configured to be selectively transitioned between an engaged configuration, in which each engagement latch engages the corresponding engagement receptor to couple the payload to the vehicle, and a disengaged configuration, in which each engagement latch is removed from each engagement receptor;
• wherein the payload engagement system includes an alignment guide configured to guide the payload to a predetermined coupling position relative to the vehicle to establish alignment of each engagement latch relative to the corresponding engagement receptor in an alignment plane prior to each engagement latch transitioning from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration;
• wherein each engagement latch is configured to translate in a lateral direction that is at least substantially parallel to the alignment plane to transition the engagement latch between the engaged configuration and the disengaged configuration, wherein the payload engagement system further is configured to transition each engagement latch between the engaged configuration and a secured configuration when each engagement latch is engaged with the corresponding engagement receptor;
• wherein the payload is restricted from moving relative to the vehicle while the vehicle carries the payload and when the payload engagement system is in the secured configuration;
• and wherein each engagement latch is configured to translate in a transverse direction that is at least substantially perpendicular to the alignment plane as the engagement latch is transitioned between the engaged configuration and the secured configuration.