Method for retrieving a fixed-wing aircraft without a runway

An apparatus for capturing a flying object, comprising:

• a) one or more linear or curvilinear fixture(s) suspended across the flight path of the object in a generally vertical orientation, or otherwise in an orientation which includes a component normal to the flight path;
• b) means for suspending the fixture(s);
• and
• c) means attached to the flying object for intercepting the sliding of the fixture(s) along a wing or spanwise lifting surface of the flying object.

A method for capturing a flying object, comprising the steps of:

• a) suspending one or more linear or curvilinear fixture(s) across the flight path of the object in a generally vertical orientation, or otherwise in an orientation which includes a component normal to the flight path, such that the suspension of the fixture(s) is kept clear of said flight path by a distance greater than the height or width of said flying object;
• b) guiding the object to strike one or more of the fixture(s);
• c) intercepting the fixture(s) by one or more hooks attached to a wing or spanwise lifting surface of the flying object;
• d) decelerating the flying object under the restraint of the fixture(s);
• and
• e) removing the flying object from the fixture(s).

An apparatus for capturing a flying object, comprising:

• a) means for suspending one or more linear or curvilinear fixture(s) across the flight path of the object in a generally vertical orientation, or otherwise in an orientation which includes a component normal to the flight path, such that the suspension of the fixture(s) is kept clear of said flight path by a distance greater than the height or width of said flying object;
• b) means for suspending the fixture(s);
• and
• c) means attached to a wing or spanwise lifting surface of the flying object for intercepting the fixture(s).