Pneumatic catapult PL-80

The UAV pneumatic launcher PL-80 has been developed to accelerate UAV-s and other aircraft with MTOW up to 100 kg and launch them at speeds up to 25m/s.

The launcher is light-weight, battery-operated and is quickly assembled. The system is easily portable in special rugged cases. Custom carriage rods can be designed based on clients UAV specifications.

Toolless assembly

Simplifying the assembly process by incorporating mechanisms such as snap-fit connections, interlocking components, or quick-release fasteners, enabling users to assemble the product quickly and effortlessly in the field or on-site

Conveniently packable solution

The system is easily portable in three special rugged cases. The combined weight of the launcher and compressor is 236kg. The catapult is quickly deployable and collapsible by two operators. It fits into any vehicle that can accommodate three 1.6-meter boxes

Custom carriages for different UAV-s

Custom carriages can be created for a wide range of different UAV body types. Different options for connecting the carriages to the UAV are included in the set

Take off velocity up to 25m/s​

UAV-s up to 100 kg. This high initial velocity improves UAV performance and allows for efficient use of limited runway or launching space

Custom carriage rods can be designed based on clients UAV specifications​

Specifications

Technical parameters


Launch angle

12 degrees

Overall rail length when assembled

8.67m

Rail length when disassembled

1.42m

Weight of catapult set (3 boxes)

Total 235 kg

Launcher case I external dimensions

1600x550x360mm (100 kg)

Launcher case II external dimensions

1600x550x360 (80 kg)

Compressor case external dimensions

360x600x1200mm (55 kg)

Maximum plane mass

100 kg

Maximum allowed launch velocity

25 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)

5 min*

Working temperature

-10...+50 °C

Compressor unit battery

2 x Makita®18V Li-Ion battery 6Ah

Launch capabilities

Plane mass (kg)
25 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Pressure (bar) Launch velocity (m/s)
5 24.5 22.7 20 18.1 16.6 15.5 14.6 13.8 13.1
6 26.6 24.6 21.7 19.6 18.1 16.8 15.8 14.9 14.2
7 - 26.4 23.3 21.1 19.4 18 17 16 15.3
8 - - 24.9 22.5 20.7 19.3 18.1 17.1 16.3
9 - - 26.4 23.9 22 20.4 19.2 18.2 17.3
10 - - - 25.1 23.1 21.5 20.2 19.1 18.2
11 - - - - 24.2 22.5 21.2 20 19
12 - - - - 25.3 23.6 22.1 20.9 19.9
13 - - - - - 24.4 22.9 21.7 20.6
14 - - - - - 25.2 23.7 22.4 21.3
15* - - - - - - 24.5 23.1 22
16* - - - - - - 25.1 23.8 22.6

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-80 product brochure​

Download PDF

PL-80 standard carriage dimensions

Download PDF

Interested?

Get in touch! We ship orders internationally. We will respond to each request individually, based on your location and your custom needs.Please add additional details about your order in the form and we will contact you as soon as possible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are ELI pneumatic catapults used for?

ELI pneumatic catapults are UAV launch systems designed to launch unmanned aerial vehicles without the need for a runway. They are portable, battery-powered, and suitable for rapid field deployment.

Which pneumatic catapult models are available?

ELI offers four main UAV pneumatic catapult models: PL-40, PL-60, PL-80, and PL-120. These models are designed for different UAV weights, launch speeds, and operational requirements.

What is the difference between PL-40, PL-60, PL-80, and PL-120?

The main differences are maximum UAV take-off weight and launch speed. PL-40 supports UAVs up to 30 kg, PL-60 supports UAVs up to 60 kg, PL-80 supports UAVs up to 100 kg, and PL-120 supports UAVs up to 120 kg.

Are the pneumatic catapults portable?

Yes. ELI pneumatic catapults are designed for field use and transport. Depending on the model, they are packed into rugged transport cases for easier mobility and deployment.

How long does it take to set up a pneumatic catapult?

Setup time depends on the model. Some models can be mechanically assembled in approximately 5 minutes, while larger launchers may require additional setup and pressurizing time.

Do the catapults support both puller and pusher aircraft configurations?

Yes. Several ELI pneumatic catapult models support both puller and pusher aircraft configurations.

Can the launcher be adapted to different UAV designs?

Yes. ELI can provide custom carriage solutions and carriage rods based on the UAV’s design, fuselage, and launch requirements.