Abstract:
A technique is directed to launching an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The technique involves positioning a UAV launcher over a ground location. The technique further involves installing, after the UAV launcher is positioned over the ground location and prior to launching the UAV, an anchor into the ground location to anchor the UAV launcher to the ground location. The technique further involves operating, after the UAV launcher is anchored to the ground location, the UAV launcher to impart launching force onto the UAV to launch the UAV, the anchor holding the UAV launcher substantially in place at the ground location to minimize energy loss as the UAV launcher imparts launching force onto the UAV. In some arrangements, the UAV launcher is capable of pivoting while remaining anchored between launches to accommodate changes in wind direction while maintaining substantial connection to the ground location for enhanced consistency and performance.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is an aircraft which flies without a pilot on board. Rather, a ground control station (GCS) typically programs the UAV with a flight plan (or the UAV receives human control from the GCS in real time). A launcher (if necessary) then launches the UAV into flight, and the UAV executes the flight plan. If a communications link between the UAV and the GCS remains available, the UAV can convey status to the GCS as well as receive control input from the GCS while the UAV is in flight. 
     To launch a UAV into flight using the launcher, a human launch team typically parks the launcher at a takeoff site. Since the UAV is normally near maximum takeoff gross weight (TOGW) with a full fuel load and payloads at takeoff time, the team typically points the launcher into the wind to maximize lift. The team then loads the UAV onto the launcher, and activates the launcher which drives the UAV forward (e.g., using pneumatics, hydraulics, cables, etc.) to launch the UAV. 
     SUMMARY 
     Unfortunately, there are deficiencies to the above-described conventional approach to launching a UAV by simply parking a launcher at a takeoff site, pointing the launcher into the wind, and launching the UAV. For example, there can be significant energy loss during launch because the UAV pushes the launcher backwards as the UAV takes off. Even if the launch team attempts to lock the wheels of the launcher (e.g., by locking the wheel brakes, by using wheel blocks, etc.), the launcher will still tend to recoil in the opposite direction during launch thus resulting in energy loss. As a result, the UAV experiences less lift. 
     Additionally, as the launcher moves backwards during launch, the launcher may dig itself into the ground. As a result, if the launch team launches another UAV immediately thereafter and in the same direction while the launcher is dug-in, the launch team will experience a different launch behavior compared to the first launch (e.g., greater lift due to less recoil and less energy loss). Accordingly, multiple launches may create inconveniences such as a need to provide different flight plans or a need to cope with different launch behaviors in real time. Moreover, differences in post-launch behavior may be inconsistent and difficult to predict due to variations in the terrain of the takeoff site (e.g., sandy terrain, rocky terrain, grassy terrain, etc.). 
     Furthermore, suppose that the human team then wishes to reuse the launcher after some period of time has passed (e.g., a few hours). In this situation, if the wind direction has changed since the initial launch, launching a new UAV (or the same UAV) in the initial direction while the launcher is dug-in will be sub-optimal since the UAV is no longer being launched directly into the wind. Alternatively, the launch team must free the launcher from its dug-in condition before re-pointing the launcher into the new wind direction in order to launch the UAV directly into the wind. 
     In contrast to the above-described conventional approach to launching a UAV, improved techniques are directed to anchoring a UAV launcher to the ground prior to launching a UAV. With the UAV launcher firmly anchored in place, the UAV can be launched with maximum energy transfer. Furthermore, in some arrangements, the UAV launcher can be aimed and re-aimed (e.g., pivoted) while the UAV launcher remains anchored to the ground. As a result, the UAV launcher can be pointed in different directions if the wind direction changes over time, without any need to un-anchor and then re-anchor the UAV launcher between launches. 
     One embodiment is directed to a method of launching a UAV. The method includes positioning a UAV launcher over a ground location, the UAV launcher being constructed and arranged to impart launching force onto the UAV to launch the UAV into the air from the ground location. The method further includes installing, after the UAV launcher is positioned over the ground location and prior to launching the UAV into the air from the ground location, an anchor into the ground location to anchor the UAV launcher to the ground location. The method further includes operating, after the UAV launcher is anchored to the ground location, the UAV launcher to impart launching force onto the UAV to launch the UAV into the air from the ground location, the anchor holding the UAV launcher substantially in place at the ground location to minimize energy loss as the UAV launcher imparts launching force onto the UAV. 
     In some arrangements, the method further includes rotating the UAV launcher about a pivot point while the UAV remains anchored to the ground location. Accordingly, the UAV launcher can be adjusted to compensate for changes in wind direction while remaining anchored to the ground location. 
     In some arrangements, the UAV launcher is initially aimed in a first direction when the UAV launcher is operated to impart launching force onto the UAV to launch the UAV into the air from the ground location. In these arrangements, rotating the UAV launcher about the pivot point includes pivoting, after the UAV launcher is initially aimed in the first direction and the UAV is launched into the air, the UAV launcher around the pivot point to aim the UAV launcher in a second direction that is different from the first direction. 
     In some arrangements, the method further includes re-operating, after the UAV launcher is pivoted around the pivot point to aim the UAV launcher in the second direction, the UAV launcher to impart launching force onto the UAV to launch the UAV into the air in the second direction. In these arrangements, the anchor continues to hold the UAV launcher substantially in place at the ground location to minimize energy loss as the UAV launcher imparts launching force onto the UAV to launch the UAV into the air in the second direction. 
     In some arrangements, the anchor includes a support member which is coupled to a frame of the UAV launcher. In these arrangements, installing the anchor into the ground location includes fastening the support member to the ground location to prevent the frame of the UAV launcher from moving relative to the ground location when the UAV launcher imparts launching force onto the UAV. 
     In some arrangements, fastening the support member to the ground location includes embedding at least an end portion of the support member within the ground. Along these lines, an auger is capable of drilling a hole into the ground, and then the anchor (e.g., a pin) can be set into the hole to maintain the UAV launcher in place. Alternatively, the auger itself can be screwed and left in the ground as the anchor. Other configurations are suitable for use as well. 
     In some arrangements, the method further includes (i) during a first time period, disconnecting the frame of the UAV launcher from the support member to remove the UAV launcher away from the ground location, and (ii) during a second time period after the first time period, reconnecting the frame of the UAV launcher to the support member to re-anchor the UAV launcher to the ground location. Accordingly, the same ground location can be used over again (e.g., on a second mission, routinely, etc.). 
     In some arrangements, the support member and the pivot point are co-located. In these arrangements, rotating the UAV launcher about the pivot point includes rotating the UAV launcher about the support member. For example, the support member is capable of operating as a hinge upon which the UAV launcher pivots. 
     In some arrangements, the anchor includes (i) a base plate and (ii) a coupler which couples to the based plate, the coupler being attached to the UAV launcher. In these arrangements, installing the anchor into the ground location to anchor the UAV launcher to the ground location includes implanting the base plate into the ground, and fastening the coupler to the implanted base plate. 
     In some arrangements, the anchor includes (i) a curved track and (ii) a guide which is constructed and arranged to ride along the curved track, the guide being attached to the UAV launcher. In these arrangements, installing the anchor into the ground location to anchor the UAV launcher to the ground location includes affixing the curved track to the ground, and fitting the guide within the curved track to enable the guide to ride along the curved track while the UAV launcher remains anchored to the ground location. Here, the UAV launcher pivots around the pivot point while the guide rides along the curved track. 
     Other embodiments are directed to UAV launching systems, apparatus, assemblies, etc. Some embodiments are directed to various methods and components which are involved in launching UAVs. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launching apparatus which anchors to the ground prior to launching a UAV. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating how the anchored UAV launching apparatus of  FIG. 1  can be rotated between UAV launches in order to point in different directions. 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram of an alternative anchored UAV launching apparatus which can be rotated between UAV launches in order to point in different directions. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram of an another anchored UAV launching apparatus which can be rotated between UAV launches in order to point in different directions. 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram of a peg-style anchor which is capable of anchoring a UAV launcher. 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram of an auger-style anchor which is capable of anchoring a UAV launcher. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram of a bearing/plate-style anchor which is capable of anchoring a UAV launcher. 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart of a procedure which is performed when launching a UAV from a UAV launcher. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An improved technique is directed to anchoring an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launcher to a ground location prior to launching a UAV. With the UAV launcher firmly anchored to the ground location, the UAV can be launched with maximum energy transfer. Furthermore, in some arrangements, the UAV launcher can be re-aimed (e.g., pivoted) while the UAV launcher remains anchored to the ground location. Accordingly, the UAV launcher can be pointed in different directions as the wind direction changes over time without any need to un-anchor and then re-anchor the UAV launcher between launches. 
       FIG. 1  shows a UAV launching apparatus  20  which anchors to the ground  22  prior to launching a UAV  24  in a direction  26  into the air  28 . The UAV  24  is shown as a dashed block in  FIG. 1  for simplicity since UAVs are available in different styles, configurations, and form factors. When the launch direction of the UAV launching apparatus  20  is pointed into the wind (e.g., see arrow  27 ), the UAV  24  encounters maximum wind speed during take-off and thus receives maximum lift. 
     The UAV launching apparatus  20  includes a UAV launcher  30  and an anchor  32  which is connected to the UAV launcher  30 . The UAV launcher  30  includes a frame (or support)  40 , a UAV mount  42 , and a propulsion mechanism  44 . 
     The frame  40  is constructed and arranged to provide structural support during transportation of the UAV launcher  30  and during UAV launches. By way of example, the frame  40  is provisioned with wheels  46  to facilitate towing during transportation, and which can be turned sideways (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) to facilitate rotation of the frame  40  (e.g., to accommodate changes in wind direction). 
     The UAV mount  42  is configured to interface with a UAV  24 . In particular, the UAV mount  42  is constructed and arranged to make direct contact with the UAV  24  to steadily carry and hold the UAV  24  in place prior to launch (e.g., during final setup and checking just prior to takeoff). Additionally, the UAV mount  42  imparts force on the UAV  24  and allows the UAV  24  to easily escape the launcher  30  during takeoff. 
     The propulsion mechanism  44  is configured to move the UAV mount  42  relative to the frame  40  to impart launching force onto the UAV  24  during launch. In particular, the propulsion mechanism is constructed and arranged to drive the UAV mount  42  forward (see arrow  26  in  FIG. 1 ) with great force to maximize UAV takeoff velocity. Examples of suitable propulsion mechanisms include pneumatic drive mechanisms, hydraulic drive mechanisms, cable/bungee drive mechanisms and so on. 
     The anchor  32  is constructed and arranged to firmly anchor the UAV launcher  30  to the ground  22 . Such anchoring prevents the UAV launcher  30  from moving substantially backwards when the propulsion mechanism  44  drives the UAV mount  42  forward in the direction  26  during UAV takeoff. Rather, the anchor  32  fastens the UAV launcher  30  rigidly in place over a ground location  50 . Accordingly, energy loss during UAV takeoff is minimized and the UAV  24  is able to achieve maximum lift. 
     By way of example, the anchor  32  is shown in  FIG. 1  as a pin-style fastener. In such an arrangement, the anchor  32  includes a stake-shaped member which is implanted into the ground  22 . An end portion  52  of the stake-shaped member is embedded deeply within the ground  22  to prevent the anchor  32  from releasing and to firmly hold the UAV launcher  30  in place during launch. Such an anchor  32  can be emplaced using a hammer, a jack, other machinery, robotic equipment, and so on. 
     As will be explained in further detail shortly, in some arrangements, the anchor  32  enables the UAV launcher  30  to be aimed in different directions while the UAV launcher  30  remains anchored to the ground  22 . Along these lines, the UAV launcher  30  is able to pivot about a pivot point (see dashed line  54  in  FIG. 1 ). As a result, the UAV launcher  30  does not need to be unanchored and then re-anchored in order to keep the UAV launcher  30  pointed into the wind if there is a change in wind direction between launches. 
     To launch a UAV  22 , a team of users (i.e., one or more users) positions the UAV launcher  30  over a ground location  50 . Next, the team of users installs the anchor  32  into the ground location  50  to anchor the UAV launcher  30  to the ground location  50 . Then, the team of users loads the UAV  24  onto the launcher  30  and launches the UAV  24 . 
     During the launch, the UAV launcher  30  imparts launching force onto the UAV  24  to launch the UAV  24  into the air  26  from the ground location  50 . The anchor  32  holds the UAV launcher  24  substantially in place at the ground location  50  to achieve maximum energy transfer. Further details will now be provided with reference to  FIGS. 2 through 4 . 
       FIGS. 2 through 4  show various anchoring configurations which are suitable for use in anchoring a UAV launching apparatus  20  over a ground location  50  during UAV launch.  FIG. 2  shows a general top view of the UAV launching apparatus  20  which uses the anchoring system of  FIG. 1  or a similar anchoring system.  FIG. 3  shows a general top view of the UAV launching apparatus  20  which uses an alternative anchoring system.  FIG. 4  shows a general top view of the UAV launching apparatus  20  which uses yet another anchoring system. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , a team of users initially positions the UAV launching apparatus  20  (dashed lines) over a ground location  50  and points the UAV launching apparatus  20  in a first UAV launching direction  26 ( 1 ) (e.g., into the current wind direction). For example, the UAV launching apparatus  20  may be towed by a motorized vehicle to the ground location  50  and then detached from the motorized vehicle and aimed in the direction  26 ( 1 ). During this time, the wheels  46  of the frame  40 , which may be the same wheels that are used to transport the UAV launching apparatus  20 , can be splayed substantially sideways (see arrows  60 ( a ),  60 ( b )) to facilitate side to side movement of the frame  40  to precisely aim the UAV launching apparatus  20  in the direction  26 ( 1 ). 
     Also, at this time, the team of users anchors the UAV launching apparatus  20  to the ground location  54 . In the arrangement of  FIG. 2 , the anchor  32  is located near the back end of the frame  40  and is installed into the ground  22  (e.g., see  FIG. 1 ). Accordingly, the anchor  32  robustly and reliably holds the UAV launcher  30  in place during UAV launch so that energy loss to due recoil is minimized. 
     At some later time, the UAV launching apparatus  20  is rotated and pointed in a new UAV launch direction  26 ( 2 ) for a subsequent UAV launch (see arrow  62  in  FIG. 2 ). As mentioned earlier, the wheels  46  facilitate turning of the UAV launching apparatus  20  to the new direction  26 . As the UAV launching apparatus  20  rotates, the anchor  32  operates as the pivot point or hinge (i.e., the axis of rotation is about the anchor  32 ). 
     It should be understood that, in the arrangement of  FIG. 2 , the anchor  32  holds the UAV launcher  30  in place during UAV launches as well as when the UAV launching apparatus  20  rotates to the different directions  26 . That is, the team of users can continue to change the direction  26  of the UAV launching apparatus  20  (e.g., rotating the UAV launcher  30  to the left or right) without any need to un-anchor the UAV launching apparatus  20  and then re-anchor the UAV launching apparatus  20 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the UAV launching apparatus  20  includes a UAV launcher  30  having wheels  46  and an anchor  32  for anchoring the UAV launcher  30  in place over a ground location  50 . The anchor  32  includes a curved track constructed and arranged to affix to the ground, and a guide  72  attached to the UAV launcher  30 . The guide  72  is constructed and arranged to (i) ride along the curved track  70  and (ii) fit within the curved track  70 , e.g., a tab member or pin held within a slot or along a rail  74  defined by the curved track  70 . As a result, the anchor  32  continuously holds the UAV launcher  30  to the ground even while the UAV launcher  30  is rotated to different directions  26 . 
     During operation, a team of users initially positions the UAV launching apparatus  20  over the ground location  50  and points the UAV launching apparatus  20  in a first UAV launching direction  26 ( 1 ) (e.g., into the current wind direction). In this arrangement, the wheels  46  of the frame  40  can remain on the same axle or in the same orientation that enables the UAV launching apparatus  20  to be towed. 
     Also, at this time, the team of users anchors the UAV launching apparatus  20  to the ground location  54 . In particular, the team fastens the curved track  70  to the ground (e.g., using pins/stakes/etc.). Next, the team engages the guide  72  with the curved track  70 . As a result, the anchor  32  robustly and reliably holds the UAV launcher  30  in place during UAV launch so that energy loss to due recoil is minimized. 
     At some later time, the UAV launching apparatus  20  is rotated and pointed in a new UAV launch direction  26 ( 2 ) for a subsequent launch (see arrow  76  in  FIG. 3 ). During such rotation, the wheels  46  facilitate turning of the UAV launching apparatus  20  to the to the new direction  26 . In particular, as the UAV launching apparatus  20  rotates, the center of the axle of the wheels  46  generally operates as the pivot point  78 . 
     It should be understood that, in the arrangement of  FIG. 3 , the anchor  32  (i.e., the combination of the curved track  70  and the guide  72 ) holds the UAV launcher  30  in place during UAV launches as well as when the UAV launching apparatus  20  rotates to the different directions  26 . That is, the team of users can continue to change the direction  26  of the UAV launching apparatus  20  without any need to un-anchor the UAV launching apparatus  20  and then re-anchor the UAV launching apparatus  20 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , a team of users initially positions the UAV launching apparatus  20  over a ground location  50  and points the UAV launching apparatus  20  in a first UAV launching direction  26 ( 1 ) (e.g., into the current wind direction). For example, the UAV launching apparatus  20  may be towed by a motorized vehicle to the ground location  50  and then detached from the motorized vehicle and aimed in the direction  26 ( 1 ). At this time, the team of users anchors the UAV launching apparatus  20  to the ground location  50 . In the arrangement of  FIG. 4 , the anchor  32  is located obliquely along a side of the UAV launcher  30 . Nevertheless, due to structural strength in framing and competent fastening of the anchor  32  to the ground, the anchor  32  robustly and reliably holds the UAV launcher  30  in place during UAV launch so that energy loss to due recoil is minimized. 
     At some later time, the UAV launching apparatus  20  is rotated and pointed in a new UAV launch direction  26 ( 2 ) for a subsequent launch (see arrow  80  in  FIG. 4 ). In this arrangement, the team of users swings the back end of the UAV launcher  30  to properly point the UAV launcher  30  in a desired direction  26 . As mentioned earlier, the wheels  46  facilitate turning of the UAV launching apparatus  20  to the new direction  26 . As the UAV launching apparatus  20  rotates, the anchor  32  operates as the pivot point or hinge (i.e., the axis of rotation is about the anchor  32 ). 
     It should be understood that, in the arrangement of  FIG. 4 , the anchor  32  holds the UAV launcher  30  in place during UAV launches as well as when the UAV launching apparatus  20  rotates to the different directions  26 . Accordingly, the team of users can continue to change the direction  26  of the UAV launching apparatus  20  without any need to un-anchor the UAV launching apparatus  20  and then re-anchor the UAV launching apparatus  20 . 
     By way of example only, the UAV launching apparatus  20  of  FIGS. 2-4  are shown rotated by 90 degrees. It should be understood that the UAV launching apparatus  20  can be rotated by different amounts (e.g., 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 135 degrees, 180 degrees) and in different directions (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise). Along these lines, the length of the curved track  70  in  FIG. 3  can be altered (e.g., shortened, extended, etc.) to alter the available amount of rotation. Further details will now be provided with reference to  FIGS. 5 through 7 . 
       FIGS. 5 through 7  show side views of various anchors  32  which are suitable for use in anchoring a UAV launching apparatus  20  over a ground location  50  during UAV launch.  FIG. 5  shows a peg-style anchor  32 (A).  FIG. 6  shows an auger-style anchor  32 (B).  FIG. 7  shows a bearing/plate-style anchor  32 (C). Such anchors  32  are suitable for a variety of UAV launcher anchoring situations such as those illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . Additionally, such anchors  32  are suitable alternatives to a simple pin-style anchor  32  (also see  FIG. 1 ). 
     In connection with the peg-style anchor  32 (A) of  FIG. 5 , a team of users first rigidly embeds a base  100  within the ground  22 . In some arrangements, the base  100  is a preformed structure (e.g., a pylon-shaped member which is driven or screwed into the ground  22 ). In other arrangements, the base  100  is established on site (e.g., a foundation containing poured concrete). 
     Next, a peg-shaped member  102  is inserted through a hole (or slot)  104  of the UAV launcher  30  and into a cavity  106  of the base  100  (see arrow  110  in  FIG. 5 ). The hole  104  can be within a coupling portion of the launcher frame  40  (also see  FIG. 1 ) or within an extension (perhaps considered part of the anchor  32 (A)) which firmly connects to the launcher frame  40 . 
     With an end portion  112  of the peg-shaped member  102  securely inserted into the base  100 , a wider top  114  of the peg-shaped member  102  firmly ties the UAV launcher  30  to the ground  22 . Accordingly, the UAV launcher  30  does not move backwards during UAV launch and energy loss during launch is minimized. Moreover, the UAV launcher  30  can be re-directed (e.g., in response to changes in wind direction) while the anchor  32 (A) remains in place. 
     In connection with the auger-style anchor  32 (B) of  FIG. 6 , a team of users first screws an auger-shaped member  140  into the ground  22  through a hole  142  of the UAV launcher  30  (see arrow  144  in  FIG. 6 ). The auger-shaped member  140  includes a cylindrical mid-portion  146 , and threads  148  which wind around the cylindrical mid-portion  146 . 
     To facilitate installation, the team of users may employ specialized equipment (e.g., machinery) to thread the auger-shaped member  140  into place. The hole  142  can be within a coupling portion of the launcher frame  40  (also see  FIG. 1 ) or within an extension (perhaps considered part of the anchor  32 (B)) which firmly connects to the launcher frame  40 . 
     With an end portion  150  of the auger-shaped member  140  securely installed in the ground  22 , a wider top  152  of the auger-shaped member  140  firmly ties the UAV launcher  30  to the ground  22 . Thus, the UAV launcher  30  does not move backwards during UAV launch and energy loss during launch is minimized. Furthermore, the UAV launcher  30  can be re-directed (e.g., in response to changes in wind direction) while the anchor  32 (B) remains in place. In some arrangements, the auger-style anchor is permanently attached to the launcher frame  40  and driven into the ground manually, by turning through mechanical advantage, or using an on-launcher system (e.g., pneumatic, hydraulic, etc.). The auger screw may be hinged such that it can be stowed, in some manner, parallel or relatively parallel to the axis of the launcher frame  40 . 
     In connection with the bearing/plate-style anchor  32 (C) of  FIG. 7 , the anchor  32 (C) includes plate assembly  180  having a rotatable member  182 , a retainer (or base plate)  184 , and hardware  186 . The retainer  184  is fastened to the ground  22  (e.g., using stakes, pins, stakes, pins, poured concrete, etc.) and the details are omitted from  FIG. 7  for simplicity. The rotatable member  182  fits within the retainer  184  and extends through a top hole  188  defined by the retainer  184 . The rotatable member  182  is capable of rotating about an axis  190  within the retainer  184 . 
     To install the anchor  32 (C) and attach the UAV launcher  30 , a team of users first rigidly fastens the plate assembly  180  to the ground  22 . In particular, the team sits the rotatable member  182  on the ground  22 , and places the retainer  184  over the rotatable member  182  allowing the rotatable member  182  to extend through the hole  188  defined by the retainer  184 . The team then fastens the retainer  184  to the ground  22 . In some arrangements, the plate assembly  180  is permanently attached to the ground  22  and the team is able to routinely disconnect and re-connect one or more UAV launchers  30  to the same plate assembly  180 . For example, a patrol may decide to remove the UAV launching apparatus  20  from the original ground location  50  to use the UAV launching apparatus  20  at another ground location  50 , but then return to reuse the original ground location  50 . 
     Next, the team connects a coupler of the UAV launcher  30  to the plate assembly  180  using the hardware  186 . By way of example, the rotatable member  182  defines a hole  192 , and a coupling portion  194  of the UAV launcher  30  defines complementary holes  196 . The team then aligns the holes  192 ,  194 , and feeds the hardware  186  (e.g., a set of nuts and bolts) through the holes  192 ,  196  to connect the portion  192  of the UAV launcher  30  to the plate assembly  180 . The hole  192  can be within a portion of the UAV frame  40  (also see  FIG. 1 ) or within an extension (perhaps considered part of the anchor  32 (C)) which firmly connects to the UAV frame  40 . Further details will now be provided with reference to  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart of a procedure  200  which is performed by a team of users (i.e., one or more users) when launching a UAV from a UAV launcher. At  202 , the team positions a UAV launcher over a ground location, the UAV launcher being constructed and arranged to impart launching force onto the UAV to launch the UAV into the air from the ground location. Examples of suitable UAV launchers include those which utilize utilize pneumatic or hydraulic drives, cable or bungee style launchers, and so on. 
     At  204 , the team installs an anchor into the ground location to anchor the UAV launcher to the ground location. Example anchors include stakes, pins, pegs, augers, screws, curved tracks, rails, implanted plates, and other hardware-style anchoring mechanisms. 
     At  206 , the team operates the UAV launcher to impart launching force onto the UAV to launch the UAV into the air from the ground location. The anchor holds the UAV launcher substantially in place at the ground location to minimize energy loss as the UAV launcher imparts launching force onto the UAV. Here, the UAV launcher does not move backwards and is not susceptible to differences in terrain. Rather, such anchoring during launching results in consistency and maximum energy transfer to the UAV. Accordingly, each UAV launch enjoys maximum lift and predictability. 
     At  208 , the team rotates the UAV launcher about a pivot point while the UAV launcher remains anchored to the ground location. Additionally, the team then launches another UAV (i.e., the same UAV, a new UAV, etc.) from the rotated UAV launcher. Such operation allows the UAV launcher to be easily re-aimed. That is, the team is not forced to decide between launching the UAV in a sub-optimal direction if the wind direction has changed, or to un-anchor and re-anchor the UAV launcher when otherwise turning the UAV launcher. 
     As described above, improved techniques are directed to anchoring a UAV launcher  30  to the ground  22  prior to launching a UAV  24 . With the UAV launcher  30  firmly anchored in place, the UAV  24  can be launched with maximum energy transfer. Furthermore, in some arrangements, the UAV launcher  30  can be aimed and re-aimed (e.g., pivoted) while the UAV launcher  30  remains anchored to the ground  22 . As a result, the UAV launcher  30  can be pointed in different directions if the wind direction changes over time, without any need to un-anchor and then re-anchor the UAV launcher  30  between launches. 
     It should be understood that the above-described techniques work with a variety of different ground locations. Examples of suitable ground locations include Earth, platform, floor, sandy terrains, rocky terrains, grassy terrains, or any other base, structure or footing upon which a launcher can be emplaced. In some arrangements, the above-described techniques are used on ground vehicles, shipboard/sea-borne platforms, other vessel surfaces, and so on. 
     While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. 
     For example, it should be understood that the above-described anchoring techniques can be used on other types of launching devices which otherwise result in sub-optimal results if allowed to move backwards during launch. Such other launching devices include rocket launchers, grenade launchers, water vehicle launchers, and so on. Such modifications and enhancements are intended to belong to various embodiments of the disclosure.