Car-top launcher can be mounted on all cars that accept THULE’s Rapid Aero ™ roof rack. Installation on car roof and removal of the launcher takes less than two minutes. Penguin UAV can be transported when mounted on the car-top launcher with the wing tips removed and secured with safety-pins.
When compared against catapult launcher, the car-top launcher is more than three times less expensive than the closest alternative, and does not need maintenance or assembly. Car-top launcher is light, small and it is easy to store and transport.
Using the car-top launcher, the Penguin UAV can be launched from any surface, where a car can reach the takeoff speed, which is approximately 70 km/h. This launching method offers high reliability under the strong and gusty side-wind conditions.
The car-top launcher has a convenient removable starter assembly with an integrated Lithium Ion battery and MOSFET switch. Once the UAV engine is running, the starter assembly can be easily removed.
Low cost alternative to catapult launching Light, small and reliable Good reliability under strong wind, side wind and gusty conditions Safe and reliable electric starter with Lithium batteries, MOSFET switch