Aurora Flight Sciences SideArm

[Triton]

Aurora Flight Sciences SideArm for DARPA for the launch/recover of fixed-wing long-endurance UAVs from a warship or other mobile platform. The return of Skyhook?

Source:
https://twitter.com/TheWoracle/status/531850340401180672

 

[Triton]

"DARPA Awards Development Contract to Aurora for SideArm System"

Source:
http://www.aurora.aero/Media/Press/Item.aspx?id=apr-322

Manassas, VA October 7, 2014 – Aurora Flight Sciences announced today that it has been awarded a contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for the accelerated development of its SideArm launch and recovery system.

Demonstration of the SideArm technology was a key part of Aurora's work on the Tactically Enhanced Reconnaissance Node (Tern) program. Aurora's Phase 1 Tern results indicated that SideArm could fulfill needs for aircraft launch and recovery as part of Tern’s goal of developing technology that would enable small ships to serve as mobile launch and recovery sites for medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial systems (UAS). DARPA has awarded a contract for the continued development of this technology. The Aurora SideArm program includes integration and testing of SideArm technology, which would enable rapid transition to military utilization.

“Aurora developed the SideArm technology to a high degree of maturity in Phase 1 of Tern,” stated Graham Drozeski, Aurora program manager. “We have a path where continued development of the technology could make a near-term impact. The SideArm program focuses efforts on that opportunity.”

The SideArm technology supports launch and recovery of a range of tactical unmanned aircraft, including existing platforms and platforms under development.

"The SideArm system could provide runway independence to fixed-wing unmanned air systems (UAS) as part of Tern’s vision," said Aurora Chief Technology Officer Tom Clancy. "This is a driver for responsive and persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) coverage of remote targets almost anywhere."

About Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences is a leader in the development and manufacturing of advanced aerospace vehicles. Aurora is headquartered in Manassas, VA and operates production plants in Bridgeport, WV and Columbus, MS; and a Research and Development Center in Cambridge, MA. To view recent press releases and more about Aurora please visit our website at www.aurora.aero.

Distribution A: Approved for Public Release, Distribution Unlimited

 

[Triton]

Aurora Flight Sciences SideArm patent:

http://www.google.com/patents/US20130082137

 

[Stargazer]

As this is UAV-related, doesn't this belong more in the Aerospace section rather than the Naval Projects one?

 

[Triton]

As this is UAV-related, doesn't this belong more in the Aerospace section rather than the Naval Projects one?

I went back and forth on which board was the best fit for this project. Since the SideArm is bolted to the deck of a ship, I decided it was a "Naval Projects" topic, but I am willing to defer to the judgment of an administrator.

 

[AeroFranz]

The TERN program was specific to ships, but the SideArm launch and recovery device should be applied to land-based UAVs as well.

 

[Jemiba]

I went back and forth on which board was the best fit for this project.

Well, I saw this thread, saw a ship in the picture and was satisfied with it, but I think,
Skyblazer is right.
Perhaps it could have been the Military section, as well, and the Naval section wasn't
that wrong either, but here it's more appropriate, I think.

 

[CJGibson]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj9OYFkB2y8

Looks like BAe's Skyhook to me.

Chris

 

[AeroFranz]

Yes and no. Skyhook was designed to capture hovering vehicles. This is designed to arrest flying vehicles. There are definitely some elements that are the same, though.

 

[Jemiba]

The ScanEagle drone is recovered by a kind of retainer, too and AFAIK several types of
drones were/are recovered by flying them into a net. Side Arm may just be a more
developed version of those systems.

 

[AeroFranz]

It is. Skyhook snags UAVs at the wingtip, which puts a limit on how large of a UAV you can retrieve (otherwise you need to pay a hefty penalty in beefing up of the structure). This is intended for vehicles above the Integrator class, which is only 135 lbs.

 

[shedofdread]

It would appear that the arresting mechanism can also be used as the launching one. A useful attribute as non-VTOL UAS have a significant footprint when used in this environment.


Were I to be into 'hashtags', this post would be followed by - #whythe****didntIpatentthisonemyselfearlier?

 

[Triton]

Well we didn't know that DARPA was interested in reviving Skyhook.

 

[covert_shores]

More info and illustrations http://www.darpa.mil/NewsEvents/Releases/2015/05/07.aspx

Have they tried to patent a shark??? http://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/US20130082137A1/US20130082137A1-20130404-D00019.png <great illustration

 

[DrRansom]

Does the Sidearm remind anyone of the old floatplane launchers on Cruisers?

 

[ouroboros]

Seems to have more heritage with the cable trolley arrest systems used on Q-ships in WW2.

 

[AeroFranz]

The Brodie device.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9vAWEgw6cc