The key features of every ESCO launch and recovery system are flexibility and mobility.
We can build a customized system to nearly any set of requirements. We offer launchers with fixed or mobile installation, a variety of power sources, launch rail options, manual or automated operation, a variety of UAV configurations and designs based on performance and cycle times. Our recovery systems are designed for safe engagement and recovery with no UAV damage.
For more than 30 years, ESCO’s HP launchers have been manufactured, tested and fielded to support UAV’s weighing up to 1,225 pounds and launch velocities up to 80 knots. UAV’s launched using ESCO HP launchers include: Aquila, Altair, Phoenix, Pioneer, Sky Eye, and more recently, the Killer Bee (KB4), BAT-12, the Storm, and the Fury. Light and totally self contained, the HP 2002 Expeditionary launcher consists of a modified HMMWV trailer, mounting pallet, launch rail assembly, shuttle and UAV interface, launcher controls, and launch power source. The self-contained power source for launch is a closed loop hydro-pneumatic system, which stores energy when dry nitrogen is compressed in an accumulator by pumping in hydraulic fluid.
The hydraulic pump can be driven by either an electric motor or gasoline engine. Powerful and transportable, the HP 3003 launcher consists of a modified HMMWV trailer, launch rail assembly, shuttle and UAV interface, launcher controls, and a self-contained launch power source. The power source for launch is a closed loop hydro-pneumatic system, which stores energy when dry nitrogen is compressed in an accumulator by pumping in hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic pump is driven by a multi-fuel engine.
