Originally Posted by
DogTailRed2
I think you are over thinking the problem. Fixed u/c is lighter, less complex and doesn't fail. It's a very thin structure so probably doesn't impart much drag on the craft decreasing it's range significantly. It means the craft can be recovered easily as apposed trying to catch it or land it on a dolly. It's only viable to have a u/c that can be raised by more complex (and more expensive) drones.
But these are one way drones so recovery is unecessary.
And no u/c is even lighter, simpler and less draggy than a thin fixed u/c. The drag penalty will be enough when every extra km of range counts.
What's wrong with using a drop-off lauch dolly ?