CTC Pelican Drone Terra-carrier

The CTC Pelican is a first of it's kind drone transportation, maintenance, and launch vehicle. It is a wheeled 6x6 armored vehicle that was designed from the ground up with its intended purpose it mind. From the outside it looks similar to an APC or a self propelled mortar. It was researched and designed on a contract for the Army of Burgundie from 2012-2023 and went into production in 2025, and was adopted by the Army of Burgundie in 2027. It currently serves at the brigade level as an independent platoon-level asset, a platoon being three Pelicans, their crew, and supply elements.

Operational use
The top of the vehicle opens in the same way that a self-propelled mortar does so drones can be launched from with the vehicle under fire, however the typical MO is to park the vehicle out of harms way and fly numerous drones from outside of the vehicle. The Pelican Drone Terra-carrier is unique in that it does not typically operate the drones it carries itself. The carrier is designed for teams that operate with the same relationship to forward combat units as does artillery support. The Pelican moves into the area of operations, the crew dismounts and the communications/network officer works with the requesting unit(s) to determine drone type, capability/payload needed. Once the mission parameters are set the C/NO relays the requirements to the AM/OT to fit the recommend drone platform with the requisite instruments/payload. The mechanic them launches the drone and the C/NO patches control to the requesting unit's drone operators. This allows a Pelican crew to bring 6, large body drones into an AO and dispatch them almost simultaneously to a variety of units regardless of command structure.

Specifications
Vehicle Type: Armored Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Carrier (AUAVC)

Dimensions:

Length: Approximately 6 meters Width: Approximately 2.5 meters Height: Approximately 2.8 meters Crew Capacity: 4 (driver, communications/network officer (C/NO), mechanic, and assistant mechanic/ordnance technician (AM/OT])

Armor Protection: Ballistic and blast-resistant armor to protect against small arms fire and shrapnel Modular armor for customization based on mission requirements

Engine: Diesel-electric hybrid powertrain High-torque diesel engine combined with an electric motor

Battery There is a commercial electric car battery built into the chassis to charge the drones between missions with rapid charging capabilities. It is recharged by the diesel-electric engine in generator mode. For missions with high endurance requirements, a extra battery trailer can be towed along.

Armament: N/A

Mobility: 6x6 wheel configuration for off-road capability High-performance suspension for rough terrain All-wheel drive and amphibious capability

Speed: On-road speed: Approximately 90 km/h (56 mph) Off-road speed: Approximately 45 km/h (28 mph)

Range: Extended range due to the hybrid system, approximately 600 kilometers (370 miles) on a single tank of fuel

UAV Launch and Recovery System: Integrated launch and recovery system for medium-sized UAVs Launching platform and recovery net or landing pad Remote operation capabilities for the UAV operator

Communication and Connectivity: Advanced communication systems for secure data links with deployed UAVs Satellite communication for long-range connectivity

Sensors and Surveillance: Integrated sensor suite including cameras, radar, and electronic warfare systems UAV control station with multiple screens and data feeds

Cargo Capacity: Space for multiple medium-sized UAVs, spare parts, explosive payloads, and equipment

Survivability: Smoke grenade launchers NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) protection system

Operational Use: Primarily used for reconnaissance and surveillance missions Rapid deployment and retrieval of medium-sized UAVs in the battlefield Support for real-time data collection and analysis