DARPA's New Robot Arm Catches Drones in Midair
How do you launch a drone in the middle of the ocean? Very carefully.
DARPA
By David Grossman
Feb 7, 2017
DARPA is working on a rapid-fire takeoff and recovery system for drones. The system, ideally, will be as portable and flexible as drones themselves, using a 20-foot shipping container to move 900 pounds unmanned aerial systems.
Called SideArm, the system can operate with a crew of only two people, although four can get it running at full efficiency. It can be stowed and set up within minutes. Working with a catch and release concept, SideArm grabs the back of the drone with a hook and then proceeds to directs the hook to travel down a rail.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a25093/darpa-drone-catching-robot-arm/
