ULS-AGLS

Overview

The ULS-AGLS (Active Grip Landing System) is an innovative bidirectional catapult system designed for precision landing and launch of UAVs in space-constrained environments. Combining UAVLAS precision positioning with an active capture mechanism, AGLS enables drone operations on ship decks, offshore platforms, and confined areas where traditional landing is impossible.

Revolutionary Concept

• Bidirectional Operation - Both landing capture and launch capability
• Active Capture - On-the-fly interception during approach
• Extended Rail Design - Longer rail reduces G-forces, enabling lighter aircraft construction
• No Landing Gear Required - Aircraft weight reduction and simplified design
• Space-Constrained Operations - Eliminates need for runways or large landing zones
• Maritime Optimized - Designed for ship decks and offshore platforms

Key Applications

• Maritime Operations - Ship deck UAV operations without large landing areas
• Offshore Platforms - Oil rigs and platform-based drone operations
• Military Operations - Forward operating bases with limited space
• Confined Environments - Urban or industrial sites with space constraints
• Research Vessels - Scientific operations at sea

How It Works

Two-Phase Landing Operation

Phase 1: Precision Approach

• ULS Positioning System provides long-range guidance
• Directs incoming UAV to optimal capture corridor
• Centimeter-level accuracy ensures proper alignment
• Aircraft approaches at controlled speed and trajectory

Phase 2: Active Capture & Braking

• Mobile manipulator tracks approaching aircraft
• On-the-fly capture intercepts drone during flight
• Guided rail system provides controlled deceleration
• Progressive braking safely brings aircraft to complete stop

Launch Operation

• Aircraft mounted on rail system
• Controlled acceleration along guided track
• Release at optimal airspeed for flight
• Immediate autonomous flight control

Key Features

Active Capture Mechanism

• Real-time tracking - Mobile platform follows incoming aircraft
• Synchronized interception - Precise timing for capture
• Controlled braking - Progressive deceleration to stop
• Dual operation - Same mechanism for launch and recovery

Bidirectional Catapult

• Launch capability - Accelerates aircraft for takeoff
• Recovery capability - Captures and decelerates for landing
• Extended rail length - Longer than traditional catapults for reduced acceleration/deceleration
• Gentle forces - Lower G-forces enable lighter airframe construction
• Guided rail system - Precise controlled motion
• Compact footprint - Minimal space requirement

Maritime Optimization

• Ship deck compatible - Designed for vessel operations
• Motion compensation - Handles platform movement
• Weather resistant - Marine environment qualified
• Salt water protection - Corrosion-resistant materials

Aircraft Benefits

• No landing gear needed - Significant weight savings
• Reduced launch/landing stress - Extended rail length provides gentler acceleration/deceleration
• Lighter airframe possible - Lower G-forces allow less structural reinforcement
• Simplified construction - Reduced mechanical complexity
• Extended flight time - Weight reduction increases endurance
• Increased payload - Weight savings available for mission equipment

System Components

ULS Positioning System

• Provides precision approach guidance
• Centimeter-level positioning accuracy
• Long-range operation for initial approach
• Integration with autopilot systems

Active Capture Manipulator

• Mobile platform on guided rail
• Real-time position tracking
• Synchronized movement control
• Aircraft gripping mechanism

Guided Rail System

• Precision track for controlled motion
• Bidirectional operation capability
• Progressive braking/acceleration
• Compact installation footprint

Control System

• Autonomous operation mode
• Safety monitoring and interlocks
• Integration with vessel systems
• Remote operation capability

Technical Specifications

Operational Advantages

Space Efficiency

Traditional Landing:

• Requires long runways or large landing pads
• Significant space consumption on vessels
• Limited operations in confined areas

AGLS Solution:

• Compact rail system footprint
• Vertical or minimal deck space
• Enables operations in severely limited spaces
• Multiple systems can fit in traditional landing zone

Aircraft Performance

Weight Savings:

• Elimination of landing gear structure
• No hydraulics or deployment mechanisms
• Reduced structural reinforcement (thanks to lower G-forces)
• Lighter airframe construction possible
• Reduced maintenance components
• Simpler airframe design

Performance Benefits:

• 5-15% weight reduction typical from landing gear elimination
• Additional 3-8% weight savings from lighter airframe (reduced G-loads)
• Extended flight endurance (up to 20-25% increase)
• Increased payload capacity
• Improved power-to-weight ratio
• Longer rail reduces peak acceleration forces on launch and landing

Extended Rail Advantages:

• Lower acceleration/deceleration rates compared to short catapults
• Reduced structural stress on airframe
• Enables lighter composite construction
• Less fatigue on aircraft components
• More payload or battery capacity available

Operational Flexibility

• All-weather capability - Operates in conditions prohibiting traditional landing
• Motion compensation - Functions on moving platforms
• Automated operation - Minimal crew intervention required
• Quick turnaround - Rapid launch and recovery cycles

Target Applications

Maritime Military Operations

• Naval vessels - Ship-based UAV operations
• Submarine support - Surface operations for intelligence gathering
• Amphibious operations - Beach reconnaissance and support
• Special operations - Covert deployment and recovery

Commercial Maritime

• Cargo vessels - Inspection and monitoring drones
• Cruise ships - Emergency response capability
• Ferry services - Security and surveillance
• Yacht operations - Private vessel drone deployment

Offshore Industry

• Oil platforms - Inspection and maintenance support
• Wind farms - Turbine inspection operations
• Mining platforms - Remote monitoring
• Research stations - Scientific data collection

Confined Environments

• Urban operations - Rooftop deployment with limited space
• Industrial facilities - Factory and warehouse operations
• Emergency services - Rapid deployment capability
• Research facilities - Controlled test environments

Development Status

The ULS-AGLS is currently in active development:

Current Phase

• Concept validation - Core technology proven
• Prototype development - Engineering prototypes
• Testing program - Component and system validation
• Design optimization - Performance refinement

Development Roadmap

2025

• Q4 - Concept development
  • System concept calculations
  • Feasibility analysis
  • Preliminary simulations
  • Technology evaluation

2026

• Q1 - Engineering analysis
  • Detailed simulations and modeling
  • Load calculations and stress analysis
  • Kinematics optimization
  • Control system architecture
• Q2 - Prototype design
  • Mechanical design drawings
  • Component specifications
  • System integration planning
  • Safety system design
• Q3 - Research completion
  • Final design validation
  • Simulation verification
  • Component testing
  • Documentation preparation
• Q4 - Prototype fabrication
  • Prototype manufacturing
  • Initial assembly
  • Component validation

2027

• Q1 - Prototype testing
  • Mechanical testing program
  • System integration validation
  • Performance verification
  • Safety testing
• Q2 - Production start
  • First production units
  • Initial customer deliveries
  • Field support program
• Q3 - Production ramp-up
  • Increased manufacturing capacity
  • Market expansion activities
  • Performance optimization
• Q4 - Full production
  • Standard product availability
  • Global support network
  • Next-generation development begins
  • Next-generation development begins

Partner Program

We’re seeking development partners:

• Early access to technology
• Influence on final design
• Custom configuration options
• Preferential production pricing

Future Capabilities

Planned enhancements for production system:

Automated Drone Management System

• Robotic manipulators - Automated UAV handling system
• Internal storage integration - Retrieve drones from ship internal facilities
• Automated loading - Robot loads UAV onto AGLS for launch
• Post-landing retrieval - Robot captures landed UAV from AGLS
• Storage automation - Automated transport to storage locations
• Deck management - Fully autonomous drone-on-deck operations
• Multiple UAV coordination - Sequential launch/recovery cycles
• Maintenance positioning - Automated placement for servicing

Advanced Features

• Multi-aircraft support - Sequential operations capability
• Intelligent scheduling - Optimized launch/recovery timing
• Weather adaptation - Enhanced environmental capability
• Heavy-lift drones - Scaled for larger platforms
• Swarm operations - Multiple drone coordination

Get Involved

Interested in AGLS development or partnership?

1. Express Interest - Contact us about ULS-AGLS program
2. Requirements Discussion - Share your application needs
3. Partnership Evaluation - Assess collaboration opportunities
4. Development Access - Join development partner program
5. Custom Solutions - Explore tailored configurations

Contact Us to learn more about ULS-AGLS development and partnership opportunities.

Revolutionary landing solution: The ULS-AGLS eliminates traditional landing gear requirements, enabling UAV operations in space-constrained environments while reducing aircraft weight and complexity. Perfect for maritime operations, offshore platforms, and confined operational areas.