From single launch to salvo – the British HAL10 launcher
The HAL10 launcher in combat position.
Various organizations and companies are developing not only unmanned aerial vehicles, but also auxiliary devices for them. For example, the British company ISS Aerospace recently unveiled an original launcher for drones Designated HAL10, this device is intended to simplify the deployment and mass use of certain types of UAVs. The developer is hoping for interest from customers.
Current developments
ISS Aerospace / ISS Group, Ltd. was founded in 2015 and has since been developing electronic devices for various purposes. Furthermore, several years ago, the company began creating its own unmanned aerial vehicles. aviation systems. In doing so, she needed the help of related companies.
Recently, ISS and OSL Technology founded the joint venture ISSOS Technologies and developed the Wasp, a lightweight, multi-role UAV. It was recently announced that a universal ground launcher is being developed for it, as well as for hypothetical future UAVs.
The HAL10 (Hybrid Air-Systems Launcher) project was first announced in early March. By this time, the launcher had completed the development and prototype stage. As a result, a test video demonstrating the launcher's operation and UAV launch was included with the initial press release.
The HAL10 system has reportedly already demonstrated its key capabilities and confirmed its design specifications. The tests primarily assessed the ability to quickly launch groups of UAVs for independent or group missions. The system handled this task without difficulty. The UAVs were launched individually and in salvos.
UAV start
ISS Aerospace plans to complete testing and refinement of the HAL10 in the near future. Interaction testing between the launcher and the Wasp drones will also be completed. It's possible that other types of UAVs with similar dimensions and technical characteristics will be added to the launcher's "combat complement."
At the current stage of development, the developer is ready to disclose information about the new project and demonstrate its operation. This likely marks the beginning of a marketing campaign to promote the HAL10 system and the Wasp UAV on the international market. It is expected that these developments will soon appear together at a European arms and military equipment exhibition.
Whether the two new products will find a buyer remains to be seen. However, ISS Aerospace expects the unique features of the system and the drone to provide a competitive advantage.
For 10 launches
The HAL10 launcher has a relatively simple design. However, it includes all the necessary components to accomplish its intended missions. Furthermore, despite its simplicity, this device is versatile and can be used with various types of UAVs.
The core of the installation is a box-shaped platform with jacks at the corners. A simple slewing bearing with electric drives is mounted on it. A swinging assembly with guides or containers, as well as other equipment, is used to launch the UAV. It is housed in a complexly shaped housing, but likely has a simple internal layout.
The Wasp UAV in flight configuration
The dimensions and weight of the product are not disclosed. Based on published information, the launcher may be longer than 1-1,2 meters. The platform is similarly sized. However, the unit has a transport position, minimizing its overall dimensions. In this case, the guide rail package unfolds along the platform and is placed on it.
A course video camera is located on the top of the mobile unit. It allows the operator to monitor the launch area, including identifying potential obstacles. Remote control of the UAV's aiming and launch is also provided. All operations are performed using a remote control with cable or radio communication.
The system carries 10 transport and launch containers with compatible UAVs. Launch is accomplished using a propellant-fueled motor with electric ignition. Any number of UAVs can be launched sequentially at varying intervals.
The HAL10 is said to be flexible in its use. It can be deployed in a fixed position or mounted on a suitable self-propelled platform. It can utilize existing multi-role UAVs, and the development of new aircraft is also possible. An unmanned system based on the HAL10 will be able to perform a variety of tasks in a variety of environments.
Compatible UAV
Currently, ISS Aerospace offers only one type of UAV for use with the HAL10 launcher: the Wasp, developed jointly with OSL Technology. Apparently, the universal launcher was developed primarily for this UAV. However, the possibility of using other UAVs with suitable characteristics is not ruled out.
The Wasp is a quadcopter with a distinctive design. It features a cylindrical body with a hemispherical nose fairing and a conical tail. The nose and tail sections of the body house various instruments and payloads. The central section is designed as an empty compartment, open on both sides.
The UAV has four booms with propeller-motor assemblies. When in transport, they are stowed alongside the body, and the motors and propellers are housed inside the open section of the body. This allows the aircraft to be placed inside the transport and launch vehicle (TLC) or launch rail. After launch, the booms deploy, allowing the copter to begin independent flight.
The dimensions of the Wasp are not disclosed. It is clearly shorter than the transport and launch vehicle on the HAL10 launcher. Maximum takeoff weight is 4 kg. Payload is up to 1 kg.
Electric motors and a battery allow the drone to stay airborne for up to 30 minutes (without payload). Loading the maximum payload reduces flight time to 20-22 minutes. Flight range is up to 45 km.
Wasp is currently only remotely controlled. It receives commands from the operator console via radio and also sends back a video signal. It was recently announced that ISS Aerospace has entered into an agreement with Anduril UK. They plan to collaborate on upgrading the Wasp's onboard equipment using Anduril's Lattice hardware and software platform.
In its current configuration, the Wasp UAV can perform reconnaissance and surveillance missions. When equipped with the appropriate equipment, it can be used as a loitering munition. The integration of Lattice instruments and software will increase its operational autonomy and enable group deployment. An unmanned system based on such an aircraft will become a more flexible asset.
A complex approach
Thus, ISS Aerospace develops not only UAVs but also support systems for them. Furthermore, it is negotiating a collaboration with a company with specific expertise in unmanned aircraft. Moreover, all these efforts demonstrate a comprehensive approach to the development of advanced technology.
The company has developed a new UAV that can be used as a platform for various payloads to solve various tasks. Furthermore, it has reached an agreement with a major foreign software and hardware developer and plans to use it to improve its UAV. A unique launcher with 10 UAVs on board has also been developed.
It's clear that, in the future, the HAL10 system and the Wasp UAV with the Lattice system will form part of a single unmanned aerial system. This will be a mobile, multi-purpose complex suitable for reconnaissance, targeting, and more. The UAVs in this system will be able to operate individually, in shifts, or in groups.
Furthermore, a new modification of the HAL10 system compatible with other types of UAVs may be developed in the future. A new UAV model, including one with an improved control system, may also be developed for it. ISS Aerospace and its partners will likely pursue these capabilities, but will implement them later.
At the moment, the new projects from ISS Aerospace and its partners look quite interesting. However, for now, this is mostly about preliminary test results and publicity. Implementing all the announced plans will take some time, and then the new unmanned system will have to undergo a full testing cycle.
How quickly all the required work will be completed, and the calculated characteristics will be obtained and validated, remains unknown. Furthermore, the very possibility of fully realizing the stated capabilities is questionable. It also cannot be ruled out that by the time this work is completed, similar systems will have been developed by other companies, raising the possibility of competition. Nevertheless, the Wasp and HAL10 projects from ISS Aerospace are noteworthy as examples of an original approach to solving technical problems.
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