American company develops robotic arm to capture drones in flight
The robotic arm is capable of launching and capturing drones even when the carrier platform (ground vehicle or aircraft) is in motion.
The robotic arm is capable of launching and capturing drones even when the carrier platform (ground vehicle or aircraft) is in motion.
The American company Target Arm, founded by US Army veterans, presented its Ralar Modular Mission Payload (MMP) system at the AUSA exhibition.
As Defense Blog reports, the Ralar system eliminates the need for stationary airstrips, which is critical for tactical units operating near the front line or in high-risk areas.
The system allows drones to be deployed or rotated during a mission, even when the platform is in motion, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to manual control under fire.
The robotic arm captures drones in flight, eliminating the need for operators to leave their vehicles and expose themselves to danger. This feature is especially important near the front line, where even brief stops to launch or capture drones can increase the risk of damage to equipment and personnel.
Ralar's precise guidance and control are supported by Trimble Inc. positioning technology, which ensures precise synchronization of vehicle movement and drone return.
According to the company, the system is designed to work with a wide range of drone types without the need for hull modification.
Target Arm also emphasized that the system is platform-independent. Although Ralar is being demonstrated on a GM Defense vehicle, it can be adapted for installation on other tactical vehicles, ground robots or aircraft. Ralar's modular design supports future integration with autonomous systems or swarms of artificial intelligence drones.



