Fulton surface-to-air 'sky-hook' recovery system

The Fulton surface-to-air recovery system (STARS) is a system used by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), United States Air Force and United States Navy for retrieving persons on the ground using aircraft such as the MC-130E Combat Talon I. It involves using an overall-type harness and a self-inflating balloon which carries an attached lift line. An MC-130E engages the line with its V-shaped yoke and the individual is reeled on board. Red flags on the lift line guide the pilot during daylight recoveries; lights on the lift line are used for night recoveries. Recovery kits were designed for one and two-man retrievals. The Fulton surface-to-air recovery system (STARS)

http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet_media.asp?fsID=1239 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fulton_surface-to-air_recovery_system http://www.ahctv.com/tv-shows/top-secret-weapons-revealed/videos/sky-hook/ http://www.networkworld.com/article/2223323/security/cia--flying-skyhook-wasn-t-just-for-james-bond--it-actually-rescued-agents.html