A method and apparatus for launching a remotely piloted aircraft is described. The aircraft is revolved about a fixed pivot point until a predetermined speed is reached. The vehicle is then released from the launching apparatus. The vehicle is attached to one end of a rotatable arm, the imbalance on the arm being counteracted by a counter weight attached to the opposite end. The counter weight is released from the arm at the same time as the aircraft so as to avoid structural damage to the apparatus caused by rotation in the unbalanced condition. The arm is oriented such that it rotates in a plane inclined obliquely to the local gravitational field of the launch site. The supporting structure for the arm may be made stationary or may be attached to a mobile vehicle for ground transportation.
Rotating Launch Device for a Remotely Piloted Aircraft
1975
13 pages
Report
No indication
English
Rotating launch device for a remotely piloted aircraft
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