Teledyne FLIR Defense has introduced the SkyCarrier system—an autonomous launch and recovery platform designed to support Group 1 and Group 2 unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Engineered for expeditionary operations in contested or denied environments, SkyCarrier aims to streamline drone deployment and retrieval without requiring runways or manual intervention.
SkyCarrier Concept and Capabilities
The SkyCarrier is a modular ground-based platform that autonomously launches and recovers small tactical drones. It is optimized for Group 1 (under 9 kg) and Group 2 (9–25 kg) UAS platforms used in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), targeting support, and light logistics missions. The system is designed to operate independently or as part of a networked fleet of launch/recovery nodes.
According to Teledyne FLIR’s announcement at the AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2025 conference in Denver, Colorado, SkyCarrier supports both fixed-wing drones with vertical takeoff capabilities (VTOL) as well as multi-rotor systems. The core system includes:
- An automated cradle for drone securing during transport
- Autonomous launch rail or vertical lift-off zone
- Recovery net or guided landing pad with precision localization
- Edge computing node with AI-based flight coordination
The unit can be mounted on trailers, light tactical vehicles (LTVs), or deployed statically at forward operating bases. Teledyne emphasizes its suitability for “austere environments” where human operators may be limited or GPS access may be degraded.
Integration with Teledyne’s Drone Ecosystem
SkyCarrier is designed to integrate seamlessly with Teledyne FLIR’s existing family of small UAS platforms—such as the Black Hornet nano-UAV and R80D SkyRaider quadcopter—though it is also open-architecture compatible with third-party drones conforming to common control standards like MAVLink or NATO STANAG profiles.
This interoperability allows mission planners to deploy mixed fleets of ISR drones based on mission requirements while standardizing on a single launch/recovery infrastructure. The platform is compatible with Teledyne’s TAK-based C2 software suite (Tactical Assault Kit), enabling real-time tasking from handheld devices or command posts.
The AI-enabled edge processor within each SkyCarrier unit supports autonomous flight path planning during takeoff/landing phases using onboard vision sensors and inertial navigation systems. This reduces reliance on GNSS signals—a key advantage in electronic warfare-contested zones where GPS spoofing/jamming may occur.
Operational Use Cases in Contested Environments
SkyCarrier’s primary value proposition lies in its ability to support distributed drone operations without fixed infrastructure. In scenarios such as peer conflict zones or denied-access areas (e.g., Indo-Pacific island chains or Eastern European frontlines), such autonomy enables persistent ISR coverage without exposing personnel.
Potential use cases include:
- Tactical ISR: Rapid deployment of EO/IR-equipped drones from concealed positions near the front line
- Cargo resupply: Launching small payload-carrying UAVs for last-mile delivery over terrain inaccessible by vehicle
- C4ISR redundancy: Establishing mesh networks of airborne relays using loitering drones launched from multiple dispersed carriers
- SIGINT/EW missions: Deploying sensor-equipped UAVs into RF-contested areas without risking manned assets
The system’s low acoustic signature also supports stealthy operations at night or under EMCON conditions. Its modularity allows operators to scale up deployments by linking multiple units via mesh comms protocols.
AUVSI XPONENTIAL Debut and Industry Reception
The official unveiling took place at AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2025—a major defense-tech conference focused on uncrewed systems—where Teledyne demonstrated a prototype unit integrated with an R80D drone performing automated takeoff and capture cycles within a confined area.
The demonstration highlighted key features such as obstacle avoidance during approach vectoring, dynamic wind compensation during landing phases, and seamless integration into TAK-CIV interfaces used by many NATO-aligned forces. Attendees noted the potential cost savings from reduced manpower requirements compared to traditional drone teams requiring two-person crews per sortie.
Industry analysts have compared the concept favorably against other expeditionary drone solutions like Anduril’s Ghost UAS pods or AeroVironment’s Jump20 VTOL launcher kits—but emphasized that operational validation in field conditions will be essential before widespread adoption by Tier-1 militaries.
Toward Autonomous Drone Logistics Networks
The introduction of SkyCarrier marks another step toward fully autonomous drone logistics chains—where unmanned platforms handle not just flight but also ground handling tasks traditionally reserved for human crews. When paired with AI-driven mission planning software like Teledyne’s own Cameleon V5 suite—or third-party tools such as Palantir’s MetaConstellation—the potential exists for persistent aerial coverage across vast theaters using minimal personnel footprint.
This aligns closely with emerging NATO doctrines emphasizing “mosaic warfare” principles: decentralized assets operating semi-independently across multiple domains while sharing data via resilient comms links like Link-16 substitutes or SATCOM-degraded fallback protocols (e.g., Silvus MN-MIMO).
If proven effective under field conditions—including adverse weather resilience, EW survivability, and maintenance simplicity—SkyCarrier could become a core enabler of future hybrid manned-unmanned force structures across both conventional militaries and special operations forces.
Outlook and Next Steps
No formal procurement announcements have been made yet regarding government contracts; however, Teledyne confirmed that limited user evaluations are planned with select NATO partners beginning Q4 FY2025. These trials will focus on integrating the system into existing battalion-level ISR workflows under simulated GPS-denied conditions.
An exportable version is reportedly being developed under ITAR-compliant guidelines targeting allied customers in Europe and Asia-Pacific regions facing similar expeditionary challenges. Pricing details remain undisclosed but are expected to fall below comparable VTOL launcher-recovery combos due to lower mechanical complexity.
If successful in trials—and particularly if integrated into broader unmanned C4ISR architectures—SkyCarrier could represent a shift toward fully roboticized battlefield support infrastructure that scales horizontally rather than vertically through centralized control nodes alone.
