  The operation of multirotors in crowded environments requires a highly
reliable takeoff method, as failures during takeoff can damage more valuable
assets nearby. The addition of a ballistic launch system imposes a
deterministic path for the multirotor to prevent collisions with its
environment, as well as increases the multirotor's range of operation and
allows deployment from an unsteady platform. In addition, outfitting planetary
rovers or entry vehicles with such deployable multirotors has the potential to
greatly extend the data collection capabilities of a mission. A
proof-of-concept multirotor aircraft has been developed, capable of
transitioning from a ballistic launch configuration to a fully controllable
flight configuration in midair after launch. The transition is accomplished via
passive unfolding of the multirotor arms, triggered by a nichrome burn wire
release mechanism. The design is 3D printable, launches from a three-inch
diameter barrel, and has sufficient thrust to carry a significant payload. The
system has been fabricated and field tested from a moving vehicle up to 50mph
to successfully demonstrate the feasibility of the concept and experimentally
validate the design's aerodynamic stability and deployment reliability.
