A Net-Launching Mechanism for UAV to Capture Aerial Moving Target

This paper presents a novel design of a net-launching mechanism for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to attack and capture threatening micro UAVs in security missions. This mechanism can launch a four-bullets-traction net using four coil springs, which can be compressed and released by two cam-follower mechanism. The kinematic model of the bullets is developed. The parameters of the spring elements are determined to optimize the performance of the mechanism. The kinematic specifications of the latching and trigger mechanisms are optimized to reduce the actuation requirement according to simulation results. With repeated ground experiments, we demonstrate the capability of the 850 g prototype to capture a target 3 m away accurately and reliably.