Small footprint. Expeditionary design.

Insitu currently fields two launchers: the legacy SuperWedge Launcher and our next-generation launcher, the Mark 4. Both systems are pneumatically actuated launch apparatuses that accelerate our unmanned aircraft to flight. Both are collapsible for compact stowage, and a cooling system keeps aircraft engines cool while operating stationary on the launcher.

Our legacy launcher, the SuperWedge, has a storied history of safe, successful operation and has been fielded since 2004 all around the world, including on small and large ships for maritime operation. The SuperWedge continues to serve globally, launching our ScanEagle aircraft for a variety of missions. It was engineered to launch our ScanEagle before development of the heavier and longer-fuselaged NightEagle™ and ScanEagle Dual Bay variants.

Development of our Mark 4 Launcher coincided with the rollout of these variants, and the development of our even larger, more versatile Integrator™ system. The result is a more powerful launcher, with wider safety windows, and virtually no sacrifice in mobility or portability.

Unlike its predecessor, the Mark 4 Launcher can accommodate our family of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), so separate launch systems are not needed for mixed-fleet operations. It also has a smoother acceleration profile for less wear and tear on payloads and aircraft components. Our Mark 4 Launcher has an integral safety system that prevents launch before arming the system. It is maintained and transported in a zero-energy state — with all pressure relieved from the pneumatics system.

Consider the following advancements we've made with the Mark 4:

High, hot, heavy and smooth launches

The launcher accommodates heavier aircraft and can provide greater launch velocities for launch in low-density air and at high altitudes. It has a smooth acceleration profile, so heavier, more fragile components and payloads experience less wear and tear and risk of damage.

Mixed fleet operations

The Mark 4 Launcher is able to launch all Insitu UAS, so multiple launch systems are not required. Different launcher carriages are used for different unmanned aircraft. Carriage change takes approximately 10 minutes.

Compact, military transport compatibility

The launcher is easily deployed on a single trailer that doubles as a launch platform. The trailer is compact and transportable by a CH-53 helicopter or towed behind a Humvee.

Fast setup and teardown

Setup and teardown require approximately 10 minutes and two people.

Greater safety margins

Greater power margins and capabilities result in a launcher that is safer — protecting personnel and equipment.

Operation

Aircraft launch entails UAV carriage installation, propeller guard installation and system pressurization. Time to pressurize is 10 to 20 minutes depending on UAS weight and environmental factors. The launcher can be turned in any direction for launch into the wind, so when the wind shifts, the mission isn’t delayed. When the launcher is armed, a push of a button on the control box launches the UAS.

Maintenance

Scheduled monthly maintenance and inspections can be performed by one person in as little as 30 minutes.

Specifications

Self-powered, independent launcher, single rail, compressed air, diesel generator, remote launch control and mounted on a MILSTD M-1102 chassis.

• Certifications passed: MILSTD 810G environmental testing
• Compressor: Max-air 10.8 SCFM diesel compressor
• AC power reqs: 208-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
• Generator: Multiquip whisper watt 7 Kw diesel generator
• Power, Primary: 240 VAC, 1 x 30 amp
• Power, aux: 120 VAC, 2 x 20 amp

Envelopes

• Stowed and deployed
• Length: 17.83 ft  (5.43 M); 22 ft  (6.71 M)
• Width: 7.25 ft  (2.21 M); 7.25 ft  (2.21 M)
• Height: 6.42 ft  (1.65 M); 8 ft  (2.44 M)
• Weight: 4,200 lbs (1,905 kg); 4,200 lbs (1,905 kg)

Operation

• Launch weight: 26 to 135 lb (12 to 61 kg)
• Launch angle: 13 or 17 degrees
• Launch speed: 20 to 30 m/s

Transport

• MILSTD M-1102 chassis
• 4,200 GVWR
• 12-volt power, 7-pin connector (or 24-volt power, 12-pin NATO connector)
• Humvee-compatible wheels and tires with runflat inserts
• Pintle/ball compatible connection
• Retractable outriggers
• Manual parking brake
• CH-53 helicopter compatible
• Humvee towing compatible