Autonomous Aerial Launchpad System for Mid-Air UAV Deployment

Project Overview

High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) and fixed-wing UAVs are limited by the substantial energy consumption during traditional takeoff and ascent phases. To overcome this, an autonomous aerial launchpad system was designed and developed, utilizing a coaxial multirotor mothership to deploy a fixed-wing UAV mid-air. The engineering approach involved comprehensive aerodynamic analysis and structural simulations using ANSYS and XFLR5, alongside modular fabrication with carbon fiber composites and 3D-printed PETG. A custom servo-actuated tilting mechanism ensured controlled release aligned with real-time wind conditions. Extensive flight tests validated the system's performance, demonstrating a 32.1% increase in the fixed-wing UAV's operational endurance. This innovative system enables rapid, infrastructure-free deployment of surveillance UAVs, offering significant utility in remote or disaster-affected regions by eliminating the need for runways or catapults.