There is no requirement for a flat takeoff area when using this kind of catapult, making the launch particularly suitable for shipboard use. There are two recovery options available for the UAVs surveyed. The normal recovery option is via command activated parachute. An option for landing on a runway using skids or wheels is available. In both cases, the operator usually controls the landing process via radio.
Parachutes have the advantage of being highly reliable for land based recovery.
When a parachute is used, some form of shock absorber, in one case an air bag, is used to protect the vehicle as it strikes the ground. None of the UAVs in this study describe a net based recovery system but several saw no problem in developing a flotation system that would deploy with the parachute and would then allow the unit to be netted out of the water. But this assumes that salt water immersion will not damage the sensors or the engine. The systems surveyed in this report are intended for military use, and are more capable than the usual research project requires. However, this allows the development effort to be focused on providing modular, light weight sensor packages that can be mounted on any UAV platform.