New Drone-in-a-Box System for Autonomous UAS Launch & Recovery

Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, has introduced its new SkyCarrier™ platform at DSEI 2025, designed for launch and recovery of Teledyne FLIR’s SkyRaider® and SkyRanger® unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

Built for military and civil applications, the drone-in-a-box system enables fully autonomous, on-the-move drone deployment from land vehicles, maritime vessels, or fixed sites.

SkyCarrier’s ruggedized container fully protects the drone when closed and opens to unfold an articulating launch and landing pad, allowing drones to autonomously take off and return, even while in motion or on uneven terrain. The pad maximizes the landing area, centers aircraft, and reduces storage space. Using visual markers such as NIR landing beacons, QR codes, or AprilTags, the drone can precisely navigate back to the platform without operator input.

SkyCarrier Key Features

The SkyCarrier offers a comprehensive set of features designed for reliable and versatile drone operations. Its autonomous launch and recovery system actively compensates for up to 20 degrees of motion, allowing UAS to land on moving or stationary platforms without manual control. When not in use, the unit provides environmental protection to shield the drone from brush, debris, and other external factors.

Operators can choose between free-flight or tethered configurations, with support for a wide range of radio and network setups, even while the system remains fully enclosed. Autonomous management capabilities include rapid charging and active thermal regulation, making it suitable for fully remote use in extreme conditions.

The ‘Follow Me’ mode allows drones to track and return to specific vehicles, personnel, or locations, while the autonomous in-air replacement (AIR) function lets a single operator manage up to 16 drones, seamlessly swapping them mid-mission for continuous surveillance.

For operations in challenging environments, the system supports dark mode and GPS-denied navigation using computer vision and dead reckoning, complemented by NIR beacons for low-visibility conditions, obstacle avoidance, and jam-resistant RTK GPS. Extended endurance is achieved through XL batteries, enabling flight times of up to 45 minutes with a 2 kg (4.4 lb) payload.

Deployment Applications

SkyCarrier has been successfully trialed on multiple maritime vessels, including fast attack boats and rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs), and from ground vehicles traveling over rugged terrain at speeds up to 50 km/h (30 mph), demonstrating its reliability in real-world conditions.

SkyCarrier leverages the capabilities of multiple FLIR Defense and partner-developed payloads. These include long-range daylight, thermal imaging, targeting, electronic warfare, signals intelligence, remote CBRN detection, and kinetic effects. Its versatility makes SkyCarrier ideal for a wide range of missions, including ISR, convoy and border security, HAZMAT operations, and even as a communications relay.

Dr. JihFen Lei, president of Teledyne FLIR Defense, commented, “SkyCarrier represents a major leap forward in autonomous drone operations. Its ability to launch, recover, and manage drones from moving platforms – without GPS or constant operator control – makes it a game-changer for missions ranging from battlefield surveillance and disaster response to critical infrastructure protection. SkyCarrier offers both military and non-military users a versatile UAS solution that reduces operator workload while boosting efficiency.”