A team from BAE Systems has developed a much-needed capability for front line warfighter use — a compact mortar-based launcher for small Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs).

UAVs provide front line units with vital real-time intelligence without the need for conventional air support. Until now, the ability to rapidly deploy these platforms by individual platoons has been limited to very small systems (typically weighing 3-5 kg), which have limited capability. More capable UAVs require large, cumbersome catapult or rocket-based launchers. The new device, developed under a program code-named ‘Project Artful’, is simple, easy to use, and portable. It allows UAVs up to 25 kg in weight to be paired with a mortar-based launch mechanism, which has European and world-wide patents pending. This makes it possible for individual front line units to rapidly deploy such systems, significantly enhancing their operational effectiveness. ‘Project Artful’ was initially developed by BAE Systems’ Military Air Solutions business, based in North West England, but quickly grew into a partnership involving a number of small and medium enterprises including IBEX Ropes, Cranfield Aerospace, and Blue Bear Systems Research. The Company’s Land Systems business was also part of the ‘Project Artful’ team. A key goal was to develop a method of reducing the enormous forces produced by the mortar launch to a level survivable by the UAV. The photo pictures the larger launcher equipment used these days — the BAE Systems Herti UAV is shown on a Robonic MC2555LLR launcher.