Pneumatic catapult PL-120
The PL-120 pneumatic UAV launcher is designed for launching UAVs and similar aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of up to 120 kg, achieving launch speeds of up to 35 m/s.
The system features a portable, battery-powered design and allows for fast on-site assembly. For transportation, the launcher can be packed into durable protective cases. Launch carriage rails can be customized to match the specific requirements of the customer’s UAV.
Toolless assembly
The design has been developed with a strong focus on minimizing the need for tools during assembly. Wherever possible, the system incorporates intuitive solutions such as snap-fit joints, self-locking and interlocking components, as well as quick-release fasteners. This approach allows the launcher to be assembled rapidly and reliably in the field or on-site, reducing setup time and simplifying operation even in demanding environments.
Conveniently packable solution
The system is easily portable in five special rugged cases. The combined weight of the launcher and compressor is ca 420kg. The catapult is quickly deployable and collapsible by two operators. It fits into any vehicle that can accommodate five 1.6-meter boxes.
Custom carriages for different UAV-s
Custom-designed carriage solutions are available to accommodate a variety of UAV configurations and fuselage designs. Each carriage is tailored to ensure secure attachment and optimal load distribution. Multiple mounting and interface options are provided, allowing compatibility with different UAV structures and connection requirements.
Take off velocity up to 25m/s
Take-off velocity of up to 35 m/s enables the launch of UAVs with a maximum take-off weight of up to 120 kg. The high initial acceleration significantly enhances take-off performance, ensuring stable and repeatable launches even for heavier UAV platforms. This capability allows efficient operation in environments with limited runway length or constrained launch areas, expanding deployment possibilities and increasing operational flexibility.
Custom carriage rods can be designed based on clients UAV specifications
The PL-80 and PL-120 share a common design language and internal specs. The primary differentiator is length; the PL-120 is the extended variant of the PL-80 platform.
Specifications
Technical parameters
Launch angle | 6 degrees |
Overall rail length when assembled | 12.8 m |
Rail length when disassembled | 1.42m |
Weight of catapult set (3 boxes) | Total 410 kg |
Launcher case I external dimensions | 1600x550x360mm (100 kg) |
Launcher case II external dimensions | 1600x550x360mm (100 kg) |
Launcher case III external dimensions | 1600x550x360mm (100 kg) |
Compressor case I external dimensions | 360x600x1200mm (55 kg) |
Compressor case II external dimensions | 360x600x1200mm (55 kg) |
Maximum plane mass | 120 kg |
Maximum allowed launch velocity | 35 m/s (meter per second) |
Puller configuration aircraft | YES |
Pusher configuration aircraft | YES |
Typical set-up time (Mechanical assembly. Additional time is added for pressurizing the main tank) | 15 min* |
Working temperature | -10...+50 °C |
Compressor unit battery | 2 x Makita®18V Li-Ion battery 6Ah |
Launch capabilities
| Plane mass (kg) | |||||||||
| 80 | 90 | 100 | 110 | 120 | 130 | 140 | 150 | 160 | |
| Pressure (bar) | Launch velocity (m/s) | ||||||||
| 8 | 25.6 | 24.2 | 23.0 | 22.0 | 21.2 | 20.4 | 19.8 | 19.2 | 18.6 |
| 9 | - | 25.7 | 24.4 | 23.4 | 22.4 | 21.7 | 21.0 | 20.4 | 19.8 |
| 10 | - | - | 25.8 | 24.6 | 23.7 | 22.8 | 22.1 | 21.5 | 20.8 |
| 11 | - | - | - | 25.8 | 24.8 | 23.9 | 23.2 | 22.5 | 21.8 |
| 12 | - | - | - | - | 25.9 | 25.0 | 24.2 | 23.5 | 22.8 |
| 13 | - | - | - | - | - | 26.0 | 25.2 | 24.5 | 23.7 |
| 14 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 26.1 | 25.4 | 24.6 |
| 15* | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 26.3 | 25.5 |
| 16* | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 26.3 |
Actual launch speeds may vary depending on the wind speed, aircraft engine propulsion force and proper support by grounding anchor.
* Auxiliary pressure source up to 16 bar needed. Contact seller for more details
PL-120 product brochure
PL-120 standard carriage dimensions
Interested?
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