Simplified, Low Cost, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Recovery System

In Phase I KaZaK Composites developed a conceptual system that greatly improves shipboard launch, recovery and transport of Vertical Takeoff Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). In Phase II KCI will finalize system concepts, then build and demonstrate a new recovery device. KCI's concept includes a highly compact, inexpensive, rapidly deployable, lightweight landing pad incorporating a unique, low cost arresting mechanism, along with a combination stainless steel / pultruded composite mobilizer. Our capture system eliminates a 100-pound landing probe currently carried by the specified baseline UAV, greatly increasing effective payload. KCI will work closely with Bath Iron Works and Northrop Grumman Ship Systems to ensure that the evolving design works with existing combatants such as DDG, as well as with projected systems such as DDX and LCS. We will iterate system design alternatives, compare them with our baseline system, and discuss the best of the alternative with the Navy. We will also develop test methods, fabricate test hardware and perform experimental studies to determine the effectiveness of our proposed vehicle arresting system. At the completion of the Option Phase II a full landing/handling system will be supplied to the Navy for sea trials or other development testing during Phase III.