Drone Launchers: Market Shares, Strategies, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2015 to 2021

Published: Mar, 2015 | Pages: 393 | Publisher: WinterGreen Research
Industry: Defense and Security | Report Format: Electronic (PDF)

A recent study by Radiant Insights, Inc. notes that the global drone launchers market was worth USD 150 million in 2014. By 2021, the market would reach a valuation of 1.3 billion. This may be attributed to growing defense budgets of industrialized nations. Developments in communications capability, systems integration, and payload technologies will also encourage demand.

The global drones market is on an upswing. It is expected to grow to a considerable extent in the years to come. This is triggering a subsequent growth of the drone launchers market. Launchers are indispensible to drone implementation.

Launchers for UAVs - Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are portable devices that make possible remote deployment of self-piloted aircrafts. UAVs have a smaller size as compared to manned aircrafts. They are stored and transported in a cost-effective manner. This necessitates the use of portable launchers. UAVs often carry communications equipment and camera sensors, among other things.

Launchers eliminate the need for an airfield for getting the aircraft airborne. This strengthens the fighting capability of operational war forces. Launchers offer solutions that automate surveillance of large areas. They facilitate implementation of strategic military missions that can battle terrorists without harming civilians.

Various types of launchers include submarine devices, truck bed launchers, ship deck devices, and field mobile frame devices. They will grow at various degrees. Presently, the market abounds with several products from multiple participants. However, competitive forces are expected to play their role as only the most efficient launchers remain in the market in future.

These launchers will have designs that make them tough and sturdy, and deliver in the most environmentally-challenging scenarios. Modular designs have the facility of functional interchangeability on the same launcher. They support component replacement rather than complete overhaul.

It is extremely important for drone launchers to be user-friendly. This is due to the fact that they are often used by those who are not familiar with their operation. In-the-field serviceability is of criticality as the unmanned systems could be located anywhere. Their main value lies in their flexibility. It should be possible for them to be easily deployed at places where trouble is sensed. In such circumstances, quick re-configuration is extremely crucial.

Market players aim to design products for UAVs with any exit velocity and geometric configuration. Key vendors include BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and The Raytheon Company.

 Table of Contents

LAUNCHERS FOR DRONES EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 33
Launchers Market Driving Forces 33
Launchers Market Shares 35
Launchers Market Forecasts 36

1. LAUNCHERS FOR DRONES AND UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS):  MARKET DESCRIPTION AND MARKET DYNAMICS 39
1.1 Tactical UAS Intelligence, Surveillance And Reconnaissance Architectures 39
1.1.1 UAV Launch Systems 40
1.2 UAS Offices at FAA 40
1.2.1 UAS Sense and Avoid Evolution 41
1.2.2 UAS Operational and Safety Impacts for General Aviation Aircraft GA Access 41
1.2.3 US Commitment to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles 47
1.3 Pre-Position UASs In Key Strategic Locations 47
1.3.1 Maritime Air Take-Off and Landing: 48
1.3.2 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)  Aerial Refueling 48
1.3.3 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Enhanced Strike Capability and Payloads 48
1.3.4 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Enhanced Resilience 50
1.3.5 Increased Use Of Stealth 50
1.3.6 Small and Micro-UASs 51
1.3.7 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Organization, Culture and CONOPS: 51
1.4 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Convoy-Following Mode 52
1.4.1 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Corridor Mapping 53
1.4.2 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Traffic Monitoring 55
1.4.3 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Agriculture Mapping 56
1.4.4 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Homeland Security 57
1.4.5 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for Scientific Research 60
1.5 Globalization and Technology 61
1.5.1 Proliferation of Conventional Military Technologies 62
1.5.2 UASs General Roles 62
1.6 Border Patrol: 63
1.7 Development Of Lighter Yet More Powerful Power Sources For UASs 64
1.7.1 Sensors & Payloads 67

2. LAUNCHERS FOR DRONES AND UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS): MARKET SHARES AND MARKET FORECASTS 72
2.1 Launchers Market Driving Forces 72
2.2 Launchers Market Shares 74
2.2.1 Northrop Grumman 77
2.2.2 Northrop Grumman UAV Capsule Launch 77
2.2.3 BAE Portable Launchers 77
2.2.4 Textron Launcher 79
2.2.5 Lockheed Martin 80
2.2.6 Aries 81
2.2.7 Robonic UAV Launching Systems 81
2.2.8 Robonic 3rd Generation Launcher 82
2.2.9 Sea Corp 83
2.2.10 Zodiac 83
2.2.11 Hood Tech Mechanical 84
2.2.12 Boeing and The Insitu Group 84
2.3 Launchers Market Forecasts 85
2.3.1 Drone Submarine Launchers, Market Forecasts 90
2.3.2 Drone Ship Deck Launchers 91
2.3.3 Drone Truck Bed Launchers, Market Forecasts 92
2.3.4 Drone Mobile Ground Frame Launchers 93
2.3.5 Launchers by Drones by Sector, Submarine, Ship Deck, Truck Bed, Mobile Ground Frame 94
2.3.6  Drone Innovation: Solar Powered Endurance of 300 Hours 97
2.4 Launchers for Drones and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Prices 102
2.5 Launchers for Drones Regional Market Segments 103

3. LAUNCHERS FOR DRONES AND UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS): PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 105
3.1 Northrop Grumman 105
3.1.1 Northrop Grumman Surface Ship Eject Launch Capability Modular Launch System (MLS) 107
3.1.2 Northrop Grumman Underwater Launch Systems 110
3.1.3 Northrop Grumman UAV Capsule Launch 111
3.1.4 Northrop Grumman Department of Defense  Contracts 113
3.1.5 US Navy and Northrop Grumman Launch Unmanned Plane Off The Deck Of An Aircraft Carrier 113
3.2 Textron / AAI UAV Launchers 116
3.2.1 Textron Targeting Data For Precision Weapons 116
3.2.2 Textron / AAI UAV Systems 117
3.2.3 Textron BattleHawk Launcher and Targets: 120
3.3 Lockheed Martin 122
3.3.1 Lockheed Martin MK 41 Vertical Launching System 122
3.3.2 Lockheed Martin Single Cell Launcher 123
3.3.3 Lockheed Martin Extensible Launching System 124
3.3.4 Lockheed Martin Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rocket (ASROC) 125
3.3.5 Lockheed Martin Participates in UCLASS, Unmanned Carrier Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike System 126
3.3.6 Lockheed Martin's Samarai Launching With A Flick Of The Wrist 127
3.4 Aries Ingenieríay Sistemas 128
3.4.1 Aries BULL EL-01- Bungee UAV Light Launcher 130
3.4.2 Aries Atlas ME-01- Advanced Tactical UAV/UAT Launcher System 131
3.4.3 Aries Alppul LP-02- Advanced Low-Pressure Pneumatic UAV Launcher 132
3.4.4 Aries Hercules AH-01- High-Energy Rail Catapult UAV Launcher Evolved System 133
3.4.5 Aries LAE – High-Energy Launcher 135
3.5 BAE System 136
3.5.1 BAE Portable Launchers 136
3.6 Boeing Scan Eagle 138
3.6.1 Boeing and The Insitu Group 139
3.6.2 Boeing Insitu UAV Launcher 139
3.6.3 Boeing Insitu Mark 4 Launcher 140
3.6.4 Insitu Compact Mark 4 Launcher 144
3.6.5 Boeing Insitu Ship Deck Drone Launch 147
3.7 RUAG UAV Launchers 148
3.7.1 RUAG Ariane 5 149
3.7.2 RUAG Atlas V-500 149
3.7.3 RUAG Vega 149
3.8 Eli Military Simulations UAV Pneumatic Catapult 149
3.9 AeromaoUAV Launcher 151
3.10 Robonic UAV Launching Systems 153
3.10.1 Robonic 3rd Generation Launcher 153
3.10.2 Robonic Launching Tactical UAS 154
3.10.3 Robonic Launching High Performance Target Drones 156
3.10.4 Robonic Field Performance 157
3.11 Sea Corp 158
3.11.1 Sea Corp Inflator-Based UAV Launchers 159
3.11.2 Sea Corp Hellshot Launcher 161
3.11.3 Sea Corp CCLR Launcher 162
3.11.4 Sea Corp New Developments 162
3.12 Zodiac Aerospace 163
3.12.1 Zodiac ESCO UAV Launch & Recovery Systems and HP 2002 Expeditonary Launcher 163
3.13 VTI 164
3.13.1 VTI UAV Catapults and Launchers 164
3.14 NASA 164
3.14.1 NASA RF Transparent UAV Launcher 165
3.15 UAV Factory 166
3.15.1 UAV Factory Car Top Launcher 167
3.15.2 UAV Factory 6 kJ Portable Pneumatic Catapult 169
3.16 Arcturus UAV 171
3.16.1 Arcturus Catapult Launcher System 172
3.16.2 Arcturus Pneumatic Capture System 173
3.17 Ilmor Engineering 174
3.17.1 Ilmor KJ Series UAV Launcher 174
3.18 Tasuma 176
3.18.1Tasuma A3 Observer 177
3.18.2Tasuma UAV Launcher LTL 1 178
3.18.3Tasuma UAV Launcher TML 2 179
3.18.4 Tasuma UAV Launcher TML 3 180
3.18.5 Tasuma UAV Launcher TML 3 (Ultima version) 181
3.18.6 Tasuma UAV LaunchersTML 4 182
3.19 Canadian Center for Unmanned Vehicle System 183
3.19.1 CCUVS UAS Launcher 184
3.20 Hood Technology Mechanical 185
3.20.1 Hood Launcher 186
3.20.2 Hood Superwedge HP 188
3.20.3 Hood Mark 4 189
3.21 UAVSI 190
3.21.1 UAVSI Launcher 191
3.22 Raytheon 192
3.22.1 Raytheon Submarine Launched UAV 192
3.23 ChandlerMay Fury Uses Robonics Launcher 196
3.24 "BUK" Ground Force Air Defense System 197
3.24.1 BUK / Ukroboronservice, A State-Owned Enterprise In Ukraine 200
3.25 UAV Solutions 203
3.25.1 Talon 120 204
3.25.2 Talon 240 207
3.25.3 UAV Solutions Phoenix 15 209
3.25.4 UAV Solutions Phoenix 30 212
3.25.5 Phoenix 60 214
3.25.6 UAV Solutions Ground Control Systems 216
UAV Solutions Ground Control 218
3.25.7 UAV Solutions Ground Support Equipment 220
UAV Solutions 220
3.26 Marotta 221
3.26.1 Marotta Controls Provides Critical Component Of Launcher 221
3.26.2 Marotta Controls Contract from Lockheed Martin 221
3.26.3 Marotta ControlsElectronic Controls for Critical Applications 222
3.26.4 Marotta Controls Reliable Control Actuation Systems 224
3.26.5 Marotta Controls Multi-Functionality: Isolate and Regulate with Just One Valve 225
3.26.6 Marotta Controls Launch Actuation Advanced Piezo Technology 225 3.27 RF Communications 226 3.28 French Ship Deck Drone Launcher 230 3.29 Canadian Carrier / Ice Breaker Use Ship Deck Drone Launchers 231
3.29.1 Drone Shipboard Launcher Use by Subsidiary of Vale, the Brazilian Mining Giant 231
3.30 Chinese Aircraft Launchers 232

4. LAUNCHERS FOR DRONES AND UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS): TECHNOLOGY 233
4.1 Link Margin (Fly-By) Analysis 233
4.1.1 Launcher Patterns of Sector Antenna 235
4.2 UAS Launcher Rapid Technological Advances 237
4.3 Launcher Silicon Substrate Layering Technology 238
4.4 Tasuma Epoxy Composites 239
4.5 Launchers For UAS Sense and Avoid Evolution Avionics Approach 240
4.5.1 FAA Drones Proposed Rules 240
4.5.2 UAS Airspace Control LD-CAP Conceptual Architecture 243
4.6 Northrop Grumman.BAT UAV Open Architecture 247
4.7 Integrated Dynamics Flight Telecommand  &  Control Systems  248
4.7.1 AP 2000  249
4.7.2 AP 5000 249
4.7.3 IFCS-6000 (Integrated Autonomous Flight Control System) 249
4.7.4 IFCS-7000 (Integrated Autonomous Flight Control System) 250
4.7.5 Portable Telecommand And Control System (P.T.C.S.) 252
4.8 Integrated Radio Guidance Transmitter (IRGX) 252
4.8.1 Portable Telecommand And Control System (P.T.C.S.) 253
4.9 IRGX (Integrated Radio Guidance Transmitter) 253
4.9.1 Ground Control Stations 254
4.9.2 GCS 1200 254
4.9.3 GCS 2000 255
4.10 Antenna Tracking Systems  256
4.10.1 ATPS 2000 257
4.10.2 Gyro Stabilized Payloads 259
4.10.3 GSP 100 259
4.10.4 GSP 900 260
4.10.5 GSP 1200 261
4.11 Civilian   UAV’s - Rover  Systemstm   262
4.12 CPI-406 Deployable Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) 262
4.12.1 Deployable Flight Incident Recorder Set (DFIRS) 263
4.12.2 Airborne Separation Video System (ASVS) 264
4.12.3 Airborne Separation Video System – Remote Sensor (ASVS – RS) 264
4.12.4 Airborne Tactical Server (ATS) 265
4.13 Aurora Very High-Altitude Propulsion System (VHAPS) 266
4.13.1 Aurora Autonomy & Flight Control 267
4.13.2 Aurora Guidance Sensors And Control Systems MAV Guidance 268
4.13.3 Aurora Multi-Vehicle Cooperative Control for Air and Sea Vehicles in Littoral Operations (UAV/USV) 269
4.13.4 Aurora and MIT On-board Planning System for UAVs Supporting Expeditionary Reconnaissance and Surveillance (OPS-USERS) 270
4.13.5 Aurora Flare Planning 271
4.13.6 Aurora Distributed Sensor Fusion 274
4.13.7 Aurora Aerospace Electronics 276
4.13.8 Aurora is CTC-REF 276
4.14 Positive Pressure Relief Valve (PPRV) 277
4.14.1 Chip-Scale Atomic Clock (CSAC) 277
4.14.2 Low–design-Impact Inspection Vehicle (LIIVe) 278
4.14.3 Synthetic Imaging Maneuver Optimization (SIMO) 278
4.14.4 Self-Assembling Wireless Autonomous Reconfigurable Modules (SWARM) 279
4.15 Persistent, Long-Range Reconnaissance Capabilities 279
4.15.1 United States Navy's Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) program282
4.15.2 Navy Unmanned Combat Air System UCAS Program: 282
4.15.3 Navy Unmanned Combat Air System UCAS: Objectives: 283
4.16 Search and Rescue (SAR) 283

5. LAUNCHERS FOR DRONES AND UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS (UAS): COMPANY PROFILES 285
5.1 Aeromao 285
5.2 Arcturus UAV 286
5.2.1 Arcturus UAV, sub-contractor to CSC, Award from U.S. Navy, NAVAIR 287
5.3 Aries Ingenieria y Sistemas 287
5.3.1 Aries Ingeniería y Sistemas Continues Growing Globally 288
5.4 BAE Systems 289
5.4.1 BAE Systems Organization 289
5.4.2 BAE Systems Performance 290
5.4.3 BAE Systems Key Facts 291
5.4.4 BAE Systems Strategy 292
5.4.5  BAE Systems Operational Framework 293
5.4.6 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) 293
5.4.7 BAE Systems Risk Management 293
5.4.8 BAE Systems Received $313 Million Contract for Continued Research and Development of PIM 294
5.4.9 BAE Systems’ Paladin Integrated Management 295
5.5 Boeing 297
5.5.1 Boeing 787 Dreamliner 299
5.5.2 Boeing 787 Dreamliner Performance 299
5.5.3 Boeing Advanced Technology 300
5.5.4 Boeing Participation In Commercial Jet Aircraft Market 301
5.5.5 Boeing Participation In Defense Industry Jet Aircraft Market 301 
5.5.6 Boeing Defense, Space & Security 302
5.5.7 Boeing Advanced Military Aircraft: 303
5.5.8 Boeing Military Aircraft 304
5.5.9 Boeing-iRobot SUGV for US Army 308
5.5.10 Boeing / Insitu 309
5.5.11 Insitu Deployed Operations 309
5.5.12 Insitu Integrated Logistics Support 310
5.5.13 InsituTechnology 311
5.5.14 Insitu Innovation 312
5.5.15 Insitu Small Tactical Unmanned Air System/Tier II Contract 313
5.5.16 Insitu’s ScanEagle Unmanned Aircraft System Selected by U.S. Air Force Academy to Train Cadets315
5.5.17 Insitu / FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems National Airspace Integration Research 317
5.6 Canadian Centre for Unmanned Vehicle Systems 318 
5.3.1 Canadian Centre for Unmanned Vehicle Systems  (CCUVS) 318
5.3.2 CCUVS Knowledge, Awareness, Learning & Skills 319
5.7 Cobham Antenna Systems 320
5.7.1 Cobham Antenna Systems Unmanned Vehicle Antennas (UAVs, UGVs, Robotics) 321
5.7.2  Cobham Antenna Systems Omni – Rugged Dipole Antennas 323
5.7.3 Cobham Antenna Systems Omni – Slim Flexible Dipole Antennas 324
5.7.4 Cobham Blade – Omni Directional Antennas 325
5.7.5 Cobham Blade – Directional Antennas 325
5.7.6 Cobham Ground Control Station Antennas 326
5.7.7 Cobham Antenna Systems Sector Antennas 327
5.7.8 Cobham Antenna Systems Multi Sector Antennas 327
5.7.9 Cobham Antenna Systems Omni-Directional Antennas 327
5.8 Eli Military Simulations 328
5.9 Hood Tech Mechanical 328
5.10 Ilmor Engineering 332
5.11 Lockheed Martin 333
5.11.1 Lockheed Martin SYMPHONY Improvised Explosive Device Jammer Systems 336
5.11.2 Lockheed Martin Electronic Systems 340
5.12 Marotta Controls 341
5.12.1 Marotta Controls Electronic Components 342
5.12.2 Award-Winning Power Conversion 342
5.13 NASA 343
5.13.1 NASA’s Future 343
5.13.2 NASA Exploration 344
5.13.3 NASA International Space Station 344
5.13.4 NASA Aeronautics 345
5.13.5 NASA Science 345
5.14 Northrop Grumman 346
5.14.1 Northrop Grumman Business Sectors 348
5.14.2 Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems 348
5.14.3 Northrop Grumman Information Systems 348
5.14.4 Northrop Grumman Technical Services 349
5.14.5 Northrop Grumman 349
5.14.6 Northrop Grumman Supplies Marine Navigation Equipment 351
5.14.7 Northrop Grumman Recognized by UK Ministry of Defense for Role in Supporting Sentry AWACS Aircraft During Military Operations in Libya 352
5.14.8 Northrop Grumman Corporation subsidiary Remotec Inc. upgrade the U.S. Air Force fleet of Andros HD-1 352
5.14.9 Northrop Grumman NAV CANADA Supplier 353
5.15 QinetiQ North America 355
5.15.1 QinetiQ North America 356
5.15.2 QinetiQ Starts Spinoff from United Kingdom Ministry of Defense, Defense Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) 357
5.15.3 QinetiQ / Foster Miller 357
5.15.4 QinetiQ North America Order for 100 Dragon Runner 10Micro Robots: 360
5.15.5 QinetiQ / Automatika 362
5.15.6 QinetiQ Customer Base 363
5.16 Raytheon 364 5.17 REBEL Space BV 367
5.17.1 Launch systems 367
5.18 Robonic UAV Launching Systems 368
5.19 RUAG 369
5.19.1 RUAG Space wins major Ariane 5 payload fairing contract 370
5.20 Sea Corp 372
5.20.1 Sea Corp Growth 372
5.20.2 Sea CorpSmall Business Partnering 373
5.21 Tasuma 373 5.22 Textron 374
5.22.1 Textron Cessna Segment 375
5.22.2 Textron Systems Segment 376
5.22.3 Textron Unmanned Aircraft Systems 377
5.22.4 Textron Land and Marine Systems 377
5.22.5 Textron Weapons and Sensors 377
5.22.6 Textron Mission Support and Other 378
5.22.7 Textron Industrial Segment 378
5.23 UAV Factory 379
5.23.1 UAV Factory - 54.5 hour nonstop flight - new world endurance record 380
5.24 UAVSI 380
5.24.1 UAVSI Product Deployment 381
5.24.2 UAVSI Products 381
5.25 UAV Solutions 381
UAV Solutions 382
5.25.1 UAV Solutions Manufacturing Capabilities 383
5.26 VTI 385
5.27 Zodiac Aerospace 386
5.27.1 Zodiac Strategy 387

List Of Figure

Table ES-1 Launchers for Drones and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Market Driving Forces 34
Figure ES-2 Launchers for Drones Market Shares, Dollars, Worldwide, 2014 36 
Figure ES-3 Drone Launchers, Market Forecasts Dollars, Worldwide, 2015-2021 37 
Table 1-1 UAS Operational and Safety Impacts for General Aviation 43
Table 1-2 UAS Sense and Avoid Evolution 44
Figure 1-3 Cooperative Autonomous Sense and Avoid for Unmanned Aircraft Systems 45
Figure 1-4 Key Unmanned Aircraft Integration Challenges 46
Table 1-5 Ability Of UASs To Perform Strike Function 49
Figure 1-6 Mosaic And Footprint Shape Files To Identify Frames 53
Figure 1-7 Increase In Resolution That Is Possible With Georeferenced Imagery 54
Table 1-8 Department of Transportation Applications 55
Table 1-9 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Homeland Security Sites To Be Monitored 58
Table 2-1 Launchers for Drones and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Market Driving Forces 73
Figure 2-2 Launchers for Drones Market Shares, Dollars, Worldwide, 2014 75
Figure 2-3 Launchers for Drones and Unmanned Aerial Systems Market Shares, Units and Dollars, Worldwide, 2014 76
Figure 2-4 BAE Portable Launchers 78
Figure 2-5 Textron Shadow 200 Launcher 79
Figure 2-6 Drone Launchers, Market Forecasts Dollars, Worldwide, 2015-2021 86
Table 2-7 Launchers for Drones, Dollars, Worldwide, 2015-2021 87
Figure 2-8 Large, Mid-Size, and Small Launchers for Drones and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Market Forecasts Dollars, Worldwide, 88 2015-2021 88
Figure 2-9 Drone Submarine Launchers, Market Forecasts Dollars, Worldwide, 2015-2021 90
Figure 2-10 Drone Ship Deck Launchers, Market Forecasts Dollars, Worldwide, 2015-2021 91
Figure 2-11 Drone Truck Bed Launchers, Market Forecasts Dollars, Worldwide, 2015-2021 92
Figure 2-12 Drone Mobile Ground Frame Launchers, Market Forecasts Dollars, Worldwide, 2015-2021 93
Table 2-13 Launchers by Sector, Submarine, Ship Deck, Truck Bed, Mobile Ground Frame, Dollars, Worldwide, 2015-2021 94
Table 2-14 Launchers by Sector, Submarine, Ship Deck, Truck Bed, Mobile Ground Frame, Percent, Worldwide, 2015-2021 95
Table 2-15 Drone and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Advantages 96
Table 2-16 Drone and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Trends 97
Table 2-17 Drone Functions 99
Table 2-18 Drone Features 100 
Table 2-19 Drone Mission Tasks 100
Table 2-20 Drone Benefits 101
Figure 2-21 Launchers for drones Regional Market Segments, Dollars,  2014 103
Table 2-22 Drone Launcher Regional Market Segments, 2014 104
Figure 3-1 Northrop Grumman Surface Ship Eject Launch 107
Figure 3-2 Northrop Grumman Eject Launch Units 108 
Figure 3-3 Northrop Grumman Eject Launch Systems and MLS: Flexible And Safe For Surface Ships 109
Figure 3-4 Northrop Grumman UAV Capsule Launch 111
Table 3-5 Northrop Grumman UAV Capsule Launch Features 112
Figure 3-6 Northrop Grumman X-47B 115
Figure 3-7 Northrop Grumman X-47B Aircraft Carrier Launch 115
Figure 3-8 Textron Launching From Inside A Truck 119
Table 3-9 Textron BattleHawk Features: 121
Figure 3-10 Lockheed Martin MK 41 Vertical Launching System 122
Figure 3-11 Lockheed Martin's Samarai Wrist Launcher 128
Figure 3-12 Aries UAV Launcher 129
Figure 3-13 Aries BULL EL-01- Bungee UAV Light Launcher 130
Figure 3-14 Aries ATLAS ME-01- Advanced Tactical UAV/UAT Launcher System 131
Figure 3-15 Aries ALPPUL LP-02- Advanced Low-Pressure Pneumatic UAV Launcher 132
Table 3-16 Aries HERCULES AH-01- High-Energy Rail Catapult UAV Launcher Evolved System 133
Figure 3-17 Aries LAE – High-Energy Launcher 135 
Figure 3-18 BAE Portable Launchers 136 
Table 3-19 BAE Systems Portable Launcher Features 137
Figure 3-20 Boeing ScanEagle Launched Via A Pneumatic Wedge Catapult Launcher 138
Figure 3-21 Boeing Insitu UAV Pneumatic Wedge Catapult Launcher 139
Figure 3-22 Boeing Insitu Mark 4 Launcher 140
Table 3-23 Insitu Drone Launcher Key Features: 141
Table 3-24 Insitu Drone Launcher System: 142 
Table 3-25 Insitu Drone Launcher Dimensions: 143 
Table 3-26 Insitu Drone Launcher Transport: 144 
Table 3-27 Insitu Compact Mark 4 Launcher Key features: 145
Insitu Compact Mark 4 Launcher’s System: 146
Insitu Compact Mark 4 Launcher’s Dimensions: 146
Insitu Compact Mark 4 Launcher’s Transport: 146
Table 3-28 Aeromapper UAV Launcher Features: 152
Figure 3-29 Robonic Launching Tactical UAS 154
Figure 3-30 Robonic Launching High Performance Target Drones 156
Table 3-31 Sea Corp Inflator-Based UAV Launchers Features 160
Table 3-32 Sea Corp Hellshot Launcher Features 161 
Table 3-33 NASA RF Transparent UAV Launcher Key Features: 165
Table 3-34 UAV Factory Car Top LauncherKey Features 167
Figure 3-35 UAV Factory 6 KJ Portable Pneumatic Catapult 169
Table 3-36 UAV Factory 6 kJ Portable Pneumatic Catapult Features 170
Figure 3-37 Arcturus Catapult Launcher System 172
Figure 3-38 Arcturus Pneumatic Capture System 173
Figure 3-39 Ilmor KJ Series UAV Launcher 175
Figure 3-40 Tasuma A3 Observer 177
Figure 3-41 Tasuma UAV Launchers LTL1 Observer 178
Figure 3-42 Tasuma UAV Launcher TML2 Observer 179
Figure 3-43 Tasuma UAV Launcher TML2 Observer 180
Figure 3-44 Tasuma UAV Launcher TML2 Observer 181
Figure 3-45 Tasuma UAV Launcher TML2 Observer 182
Figure 3-46 Canadian Center for Unmanned Vehicle System CCUVS UAS Launcher 184
Figure 3-47 Hood Launcher 186
Figure 3-48 Hood Superwedge HP 188
Figure 3-49 Hood Mark 4 189
Figure 3-50 UAVSI Launcher 191
Figure 3-51 Ratheon UAS Launch Vehicle 194
Figure 3-52 Raytheon Humraam 195
Table 3-53 BUK-M1 System Components: 198
Figure 3-54 BUK-M1 System Launcher 199
Figure 3-55 BUK Launcher 201
Figure 3-56 BUK Truck Launcher 202
Figure 3-57 UAV Solutions Prepares for Launch 204
Figure 3-58 UAV Solutions Talon 120 Platform Launches Easily From The Field 205
Table 3-59 UAV Solutions Talon 120 Features 206
Figure 3-60 UAV Solutions Talon 240
Field Launch-Able Long-Endurance UAS 208
Figure 3-61 UAV Solutions Talon 240 Field Launch-Able Long-Endurance Features 209
Figure 3-62 UAV Solutions Phoenix 15 Quad Rotor Unmanned Aerial System with Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Capability 210
Figure 3-63 UAV Solutions Phoenix 15 211
Figure 3-64 UAV Solutions Phoenix 30 212
Figure 3-65 UAV Solutions Phoenix 30 Setup Time Of Less than 5 minutes 213
Figure 3-66 Phoenix 60 Payload Adaptable VTOL Surveillance Platform 214
Figure 3-67 UAV Solutions Ground Control Systems 216
Figure 3-68 UAV Solutions Ground Control Systems 218
Table 3-69 UAV Solutions Ground Support Equipment 220
Figure 3-70 Marotta Controls Electronic Controls for Critical Launching Applications 223
Figure 3-71 Marotta Controls Reliable Control Actuation Systems 224
Figure 3-72 Marotta Controls Line Of High Performance Piezo Actuated Valves 226
Figure 3-73 RF Communications Ground Equipment For Unmanned Systems 227
Figure 4-1 Link Margin (fly-by) Analyses 234
Figure 4-2 Typical Elevation Pattern of Sector Antenna used to Calculate Signal Strength 235
Figure 4-3 Link Margin (fly-by) Analyses Calculated Output Showing 40,000ft Altitude Signal Strength vs. Range 236
Table 4-4 Launcher Silicon Substrate Layering Functions 239 
Figure 4-2 Typical Elevation Pattern of Sector Antenna used to Calculate Signal Strength 235
Figure 4-2 Typical Elevation Pattern of Sector Antenna used to Calculate Signal Strength 235
Figure 4-3 Link Margin (fly-by) Analyses Calculated Output Showing 40,000ft Altitude Signal Strength vs. Range 236
Table 4-4 Launcher Silicon Substrate Layering Functions 239
Table 4-5 FAA Proposed Drone Rules 241
Figure 4-6 UAS Airspace Control LD-CAP Conceptual Architecture 243
Table 4-7 UAS Automatic Surveillance Sense LD-CAP Experimental Environment 244
Figure 4-8 UAS Sense and Avoid:  See and Avoid Requirement Aspects 245
Table 4-9 UAS Avionics Approach 246
Figure 4-10 Northrop Grumman.BAT UAV Features 247
Figure 4-11 Aurora Autonomy & Flight Control 267
Table 4-12 Aurora Development Capabilities 271
Table 4-13 Aurora / NASA Development Of Automated Landing Systems 272
Table 4-14 Aurora / NASA Development Automated Landing System 273
Table 4-15 Aurora / NASA Autopilot Development Issues 273
Table 4-16 Aurora / NASA Flare Planner Development 274
Table 4-17 Roles And Capabilities, Provided By Manned Platforms, With UASs by 2030 280
Figure 4-18 Size, Role, and Platform of Unmanned Aircraft 281
Table 4-19 Aircraft Prime Contractor Missions 284
Table 5-1 BAE Systems Company Positioning 291
Figure 5-2 BAE Systems Strategy 292
Figure 5-3 BAE Systems Contract for PIM 294
Table 5-4 Boeing Military Aircraft Key programs 304 
Table 5-5 Boeing Unmanned Airborne Systems: 307
Table 5-6 Boeing Weapons: 307 
Figure 5-7 Insitu Small Tactical Unmanned Air System 313
Figure 5-8 Insitu’s ScanEagle Unmanned Aircraft System U.S. Air Force Academy Training 316
Table 5-9 Current CCUVS Objectives 319
Figure 5-10 Cobham Antenna Systems Drone Antenna 321
Table 5-11 Cobham Antenna Systems Products & Capabilities 322
Figure 5-12 Hood Aircraft Launchers 329
Figure 5-13 Hood Zip Line Testing 330
Figure 5-14 Wind Tunnel 331
Figure 5-15 Lockheed Martin Segment Positioning 335 
Figure 5-16 Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Segment Portfolio 337
Figure 5-17 Lockheed Martin Aeronautics C130 Worldwide Airlift 338
Figure 5-18 Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Falcon Fighter 339
Figure 5-19 Lockheed Martin Electronic Systems Portfolio 340
Figure 5-20 Northrop Grumman Systems Segments 350
Figure 5-21 QinetiQ Dragon Runner Urban Operations Rugged Ultra-Compact, Lightweight And Portable Reconnaissance Robot 361
Table 5-22 QinetiQ Customer Base 363
Figure 5-23 Raytheon Humraam Radar 366 
Figure 5-24 REBEL Space BV Launcher 367
Figure 5-25 UAV Solutions Systems 382