Patent ID: 8336816

Claim:
An aircraft launcher, comprising: a base frame comprising a first end and a second end; a first sliding frame comprising a first end and a second end; wherein the first sliding frame slides with respect to the base frame; a second sliding frame comprising a first end and a second end; wherein the second sliding frame slides with respect to the first frame; an aircraft support located on the second sliding frame; a drive apparatus which slides at least one of the first sliding frame and the second sliding frame with respect to the base frame; wherein the launcher in an extended configuration has the first end of the first sliding frame located between the first and second end of the base frame and the second end of the first sliding frame extends beyond the second end of the base frame, and the first end of the second sliding frame is located between the first and second end of the first sliding frame and the second end of the second sliding frame is extended beyond the second end of the first frame; and wherein the launcher in a retracted position has the second end of the first sliding frame located between the first and second end of the base frame and the first end of the first sliding frame extends beyond the first end of the base frame, and the second end of the second sliding frame is located between the first and second end of the first sliding frame and the first end of the second sliding frame is extended beyond the first end of the first frame.