DARPA’s SideArm Prototype Successfully Retrieves UAS Mid-Flight

By Caroline Rees / 14 Feb 2017

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

SideArm UAS retrieval demonstration

DARPA has confirmed that in December 2016, Aurora Flight Sciences successfully tested a full-scale technology demonstration system that repeatedly captured a 400-pound Lockheed Martin Fury UAS accelerated to representative flight speeds via an external catapult, as part of DARPA’s SideArm research project.

The project seeks to create a self-contained, portable apparatus for use by U.S. military units around the world, that allows them to horizontally launch and retrieve unmanned aerial systems (UASs) of up to 900 pounds over extremely short distances.

Watch the demonstration:

The SideArm system fits in the footprint of a standard 20-foot shipping container for easy transport by truck, ship, rail, C-130 transport aircraft, and CH-47 heavy-lift helicopter. The small-footprint system is designed to operate in truck-mounted, ship-mounted, and standalone/fixed-site facilities. A crew of only two to four people can set up or stow the system in minutes.

SideArm owes its small size to combining its launch and capture equipment into a single rail that folds for transport. Rather than using a traditional capture method that uses a net to catch the UAS, the system snags a hook on the back of the vehicle and directs the hook to travel down the rail. This approach provides slower, more constant and controlled deceleration, which is safer for the vehicle. The system is capable of recovering aircraft up to 1,100 pounds — exceeding DARPA’s design objectives — and furthers the project’s goal of supporting larger UASs up to 1,320 pounds.

“SideArm aims to replicate carriers’ capability to quickly and safely accelerate and decelerate planes through a portable, low-cost kit that is mission-flexible, independent from local infrastructure, and compatible with existing and future tactical unmanned aircraft,” said Graham Drozeski, DARPA program manager. “We’ve demonstrated a reliable capture mechanism that can go anywhere a 20-foot container can go—the DARPA-worthy challenge we had to overcome to make SideArm’s envisioned capabilities possible. We are pleased with the progress we’ve made enabling a wide variety of sea- and land-based platforms with persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and strike capabilities.”

SideArm is part of DARPA’s individual investment in Phase 1 research for Tern, a joint program between DARPA and the U.S. Navy’s Office of Naval Research (ONR). Now that demonstration of the capture system is complete, DARPA is working to identify potential transition partners and exploring using SideArm with other UAS platforms.

Posted by Caroline Rees Caroline co-founded Unmanned Systems Technology and has been at the forefront of the business ever since. With a Masters Degree in marketing Caroline has her finger on the pulse of all things unmanned and is committed to showcasing the very latest in unmanned technical innovation. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

How to Balance Drone Propellers by Adding & Removing Material

Tyto Robotics explains how adding or removing material from drone propellers can improve flight stability, precision, and system performance

May 19, 2025
TEKEVER Supports RAF Programme with VTOL UAS for Electronic Warfare

TEKEVER’s AR3 uncrewed aerial system is supporting the UK’s StormShroud programme, advancing electronic warfare capabilities through modular integration and collaborative defence innovation

May 19, 2025
New Long-Endurance VTOL Drone to be Showcased at Xponential 2025

At Xponential 2025, Unmanned Aerospace will display their GH-4, a long-endurance vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) rotorcraft with a patented Automatic Pitch System (APS) and modular capabilities

May 19, 2025
Advanced Turnkey UAS Solutions for Civilian & Defense Applications

Altus LSA's multirotor and fixed-wing drones have been selected by leading clients including NATO, FRONTEX, and the European Maritime Safety Agency

May 19, 2025
AGISTAR Releases Modular USV for Aquatic Survey Applications

AGISTAR introduces the BX-USV II, a compact modular platform engineered for aquatic data collection, environmental monitoring, hydrographic surveying, and infrastructure inspection in shallow and inland waters

May 19, 2025
New Line of Combat-Proven USVs Enhances Maritime Operations

Red Cat Holdings expands into maritime autonomy with a new line of combat-proven USVs, enhancing multi-domain capabilities for modern naval and joint-force operations

May 19, 2025

Featured Content

WarrenUAS Secures FAA 44807 Exemption, Expanding Large UAS Training Capabilities

WarrenUAS has received FAA 44807 approval to train students on unmanned aerial systems weighing over 55 pounds in the NAS, placing it among only five U.S. organizations with this clearance, and expanding its national training leadership

May 15, 2025
Product Spotlight: Durable Lightweight Lithium-Ion Batteries for UAVs

American Lithium Energy (ALE)'s energy-dense lithium-ion battery cells combine high power output with built-in safety features, ideal for UAV and eVTOL applications in challenging environments

May 14, 2025
SAE Media Group Releases Agenda for Counter UAS Middle East & Africa 2025

The inaugural Counter UAS Middle East & Africa 2025 will gather global defense leaders in Amman to explore threats, technologies, and strategies shaping regional drone defense

May 13, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.