Unmanned Systems Technology 007 | UMEX 2016 report | Navya ARMA | Launch & recovery systems | AIE 225CS | AUVs | Electric motors | Lethal autonomous weapons

38 W hile pinpoint navigation capabilities, smart autopilots and data links provided by modern microelectronics have proved invaluable in unmanned systems, the essence of launch and recovery remains as a set of physical, mechanical tasks often carried out under tough conditions and pressure of time. With a clear open space or a runway, launching fixed-wing UAVs and recovering them safely is, in principle, little different from the process that applies to manned aircraft using fixed or retractable wheels, or even a belly skid for smaller vehicles. However, when space is limited or surrounded by obstacles, or when the take-off and landing must be made from a ship at sea, the task becomes much trickier. In tackling it, the industry has never been afraid to borrow ideas from elsewhere and adapt them to its needs. Besides the obvious carryovers from manned aviation, guided weapons and seafaring, it has also looked to ancient warfare, rocketry, leisure flying, aviation and automotive safety, aerial refuelling and trawl fishing. The industry is The unmanned systems industry is borrowing launch and recovery methods from other sectors – and ages – as Peter Donaldson explains Return ticket April/May 2016 | Unmanned Systems Technology