The invention relates to a latching box for selectively retaining a movable element such as an undercarriage or a hatch in position, the box comprising a body carrying: a hook pivotally mounted about a first pivot axis between an engaged position and a disengaged position relative to the movable element; a locking member pivotally mounted about a second pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis to pivot between a position for blocking the hook in the engagement position and a release position for releasing the hook; and at least one cam actuator in which the cam co-operates operationally with the locking member to move it towards the release position. The cam of the actuator is a cylindrical cam mounted to rotate about an axis of rotation orthogonal to the first and second pivot axes.