Robonic - Pneumatic UAV Launcher Systems and Arctic UAV Test Centre

Robonic provide pneumatic UAV launching systems and ground support. The company has a 20-year track record in the UAV launching field and supplies its products to the global market for various target and tactical UAV systems.

Robonic provides a complete product range for various UAV types (from 10kg to 1,000kg) both for propelled and jet engine high-performance target UAVs.

Robonic Ltd also operates a dedicated UAV test flight centre at Kemijarvi, Finland. This centre was established to support development, test and evaluation, and operational training for ground launched targets and tactical UAVs. The facilities include support for both catapult and runway launched air vehicles.

PNEUMATIC UAV LAUNCHERS

Pneumatic UAV launchers compete with two solutions: runway take-off and launch with booster rockets.

Until now the options, especially for high performance targets, have been missing. With Robonic's ongoing development of pneumatic launching systems this handicap has been removed. Pneumatic UAV launching systems can now provide significant advantages:

• Growing savings in terms of cost per launch, with the growing number of launches
• Wider and easily adjustable envelope of UAV mass and exit speed
• Quick recovery for several consecutive launches
• No explosives related storage issues
• Perfectly guided launches
• System is silent, fire and smoke free
• Easy handling with minimum training and personnel

ROBONIC ARCTIC UAV TEST FLIGHT CENTRE

The Arctic UAV Test Flight Centre is located just inside the Artic Circle. The Kemijarvi airfield, located some 90km east of the town of Rovaniemi, already has a 1,200m runway and basic airfield infrastructure that supports year round civil and military flying operations.

The range area comprises 11,000km² of air space. The air space in the test region is uncontrolled i.e. class G airspace. The UAV test flights will be conducted in segregated airspace.

ROBONIC UAV LAUNCHING SYSTEMS

Robonic UAV launchers are designed to meet customer-defined requirements (take-off speed, UAV weight and maximum acceleration). Launcher performance is simulated before design and the results are carefully reviewed with the customer.

Each UAV launcher unit is tested and results presented to the customer. The testing includes, amongst others, an agreed amount of launches with various weights and speeds to confirm the launch speed and acceleration. Other tests include pressurisation and reload times.

TACTICAL UAV LAUNCHER

The first Robonic pneumatic launcher for tactical use was delivered to the Finnish Defence Forces for their Ranger system in 2000, with a follow-on delivery of a similar type of a launcher in 2004.

UAV launchers have several benefits over runway bases. The system provides an additional dimension to the tactical capability of the operating unit. It allows the user to choose the launch location. It allows for flexibility, also in winter conditions.

The Robonic MC2555LLR is also in service as the new launcher for the Sagem DS Sperwer-A.

DUAL-USE UAV LAUNCHER

The Finnish Air Force has taken delivery of the first Robonic MC25555LLR that will see service as a target drone and tactical UAV launcher as it will be used to launch the Meggitt Banshee and the Ruag Ranger.

UAV LAUNCH TRAINING, SUPPORT AND MAINTENANCE

Training is an integral part of the delivery of a UAV launcher. Robonic offers an operator-training course incorporating both theory and practice for its customers and operators of the Robonic launchers. This course gives the users a detailed insight into the UAV launcher and launcher operations. It also allows new users the ability, over a period of time, to evaluate the launcher's performance and to learn in detail how the equipment is used.

Robonic offers field support and depot level maintenance service to its customers when required. Even though the launchers are low in maintenance, they require regular checks and a maintenance cycle to ensure their operability in all conditions.

CONSULTING, RENTAL AND LEASE

Robonic also provides launch-related consultancy, regarding launch and ground support, to manufacturers who are looking at adding launchers to their choice of launch methods. Robonic has an extensive knowledge of the launch process itself as it has designed launch adapters to six different launcher types for some 15 different air vehicles, both tactical and target.

Robonic also rents and leases its launchers for short and long term use for those operators who require it for developmental use or additional support for their operations.