1. Title of the invention
Universal shuttle Interface for UAV launcher.
2. Field of invention
This invention relates to launching or release of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from ground launcher with universal shuttle. The shuttle is an interface between the launcher and the aerial vehicle.
3. Use of invention
This invention aims to bring down the changes required to be made in an airframe like the hard points for the transfer of loads and thus allows variety of bodies to be . launched using the same shuttle interface irrespective of the airframe design.
4. Prior art
Conventional designs require provision of hard points on the airframe for transfer of loads. Hard points on the airframe are usually protruding outside the airframe body and result in continuous drag. The increase in weight due to provision of hard points and drag has a penalty on the endurance. The existing systems are complex with more number of moving parts in the mechanism because synchronization is required to start the power plant after the launch.
5. Draw backs of prior art
• Maintenance and reliability are affected as number of moving parts in a conventional design is more.
• The provision of hard points makes an airframe heavy and reduces endurance of the airborne vehicle.
• To hold on to the airframe with running power plant makes the system more complex and heavy.
6. Comparison between prior art and present invention
The shuttle interface of conventional launcher designs is customized to the requirement and does hot allow flexibility. Flexibility requires change of mechanism and therefore an increase in weight. Only specific mechanism can be used, that is compatible to launch specific type of airframe.The proposed design allows flexibility and caters to launch vide variety of airframe designs. The design is modular and does not require hard points to secure the airframe. Airframe can be held on the launcher shuttle with power plant running as well. (
7. Aim of the invention
Aim of the invention is to create a launcher that can be common across platforms and enables to launch variety of aerial vehicles irrespective of availability of hard points.
8. Summary of the present invention
This present invention renders a launching or release mechanism for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from ground launcher with universal shuttle. The shuttle is an interface between the launcher and the aerial vehicle.
The present invention would prove to be better than the existing variant because of simplicity of the design that allows flexibility to launch variety of airframes without changing the mechanism. The working of the mechanism is explained subsequently in detail with actual photographs. The mechanism uses snap release and lanyard cables to execute the task.
9. Statement of invention
This invention pertains to achieving the task of launching an aerial vehicle effectively without compromising with endurance. The invention allows launching aerial vehicles without the need of hard points and serves across a wide variety of designs. The provision of wheels on the shuttle further increases the effectiveness. Holding and launching an aerial vehicle with power plant running is made simple by universal shuttle Interface for UAV launcher.

10. Detailed description of invention
A launcher is a complex system that is used to accelerate a UAV to take-off velocity. The force required to accelerate the UAV depends upon the change in momentum. Launching UAV's by hand needs skill and is not always recommended as repeatability is not achieved and success rate is low. A person needs to be extremely careful of the running propeller, the wind direction, angle of launch etc. while attempting a hand launch.
Irrespective of the type of launcher, the system should cater for safe release and docking (engine on/off) of the aerial vehicle else it may prove fatal in case of a malfunction. Shuttle is an interface between the launcher rail and the aerial vehicle and the mechanism is designed to safely secure and release the aerial vehicle as per need.
UAV's are designed in various configurations and for different mission requirements. The launcher interface in such a case has to be customized for each specific configuration of the aerial vehicle. The major design challenge calls for availability of hard points and docking the aerial vehicle with engine on.
Is such a scenario it would be prudent to utilize a launcher shuttle mechanism that is universal across configurations. Hence, a universal shuttle interface for launcher has been designed to cater for the varying need across configurations.
The mechanism consists of the following main parts as shown in the figure:
1. Snap release cables.
2. Release pin.
3. Lanyard cable.
4. Wheels.

Title : Universal shuttle interface for UAV launcher.
Claims
I Claim that,
1. This universal shuttle interface for UAV launcher is distinctive and does not call for change to the aerial vehicle air frame with respect to availability of hard points.
2. This universal shuttle interface mechanism enables the aerial vehicle to be locked in engine on condition.
3. This design incorporates wheels on the shuttle interface that acts as a virtual landing /launch gear and enables smooth transition during release from the launcher shuttle.
4. The release of the aerial vehicle is executed by a snap release cable.
5. This design utilizes elastic snap cables to secure / release the aerial vehicle.