Thrust reverser system latch assembly and method of operating same

A thrust reverser system for a gas turbine engine, the thrust reverser system comprising:

• a pylon;
• a first panel half and a second panel half, each of the first panel half and the second panel half rotatably mounted to the pylon;
• and
• at least one latch assembly configured to secure the first panel half and the second panel half in a closed condition, the at least one latch assembly comprising:
• a housing including a first housing portion mounted to the first panel half and including a first aperture and a second housing portion mounted to the second panel half and including a second aperture, each of the first aperture and the second aperture extending along a latch axis, the second housing portion including a lateral wall defining the second aperture, the lateral wall including an exterior surface facing the first housing portion and an interior surface facing away from the first housing portion;
• a first latch member disposed within the first housing portion and configured for translation along the latch axis, the first latch member including at least two rotatable arms configured to rotate between an arm retracted position and an arm extended position in which the at least two rotatable arms extend in a first direction away from the latch axis;
• and
• a second latch member disposed within the second housing portion and configured for translation along the latch axis, the second latch member including a second latch member body including a base portion and at least one axially extending portion extending from the base portion in a second direction toward the interior surface of the lateral wall, the at least one axially extending portion radially surrounding a recess located along the latch axis.