Saber Catapult

Saber Defense LLC · Fourth Operating Vertical

Saber Catapult

Multiple Parallel Pneumatic Launch Systems — Precision Launch for the Helix Swarm™

A dedicated manufacturing vertical within Saber Defense LLC, established to design, produce, and support Multiple Parallel Pneumatic Catapult systems — the primary high-volume, forward-deployed launch solution for the Helix Swarm™ attritable autonomous platform.

01 · Strategic Rationale

Solving the Forward-Launch Bottleneck

Saber Catapult was created to solve a critical operational bottleneck in the Helix program: the ability to launch large numbers of attritable drones rapidly from forward positions without relying on vulnerable airbases or complex shipboard systems.

While aerial deployment and mass catapults remain part of the overall doctrine, Multiple Parallel Pneumatic Catapults were selected as the primary high-volume ground launch method — targeting 60–70% of launches — due to their balance of cost, reliability, EMP-hardening compatibility, mobility, and scalability. Saber Catapult LLC owns this critical enabling technology and production capability end-to-end.

02 · Product Overview

Multiple Parallel Pneumatic Catapult Batteries

Each battery consists of 8–16 launch rails capable of delivering 25–40+ drones per minute.

EMP-Hardened Compatible

Fixed-wing compatible launch preserves the full EMP hardening of the Helix airframe.

Mobile & Forward-Deployable

Truck- and trailer-mounted configurations built for forward theater operations.

Integrated Logistics

Conveyor and multi-level storage using standard 40-ft containers for rapid reloading.

Vertically Integrated

Heavy fabrication, assembly, testing, and integration under a single 200k sq ft roof.

High Reliability

Low maintenance profile vs. railgun or rocket-assisted alternatives.

Aftermarket Lock-In

Recurring revenue from spares, maintenance, and expendable sabot supply.

04 · Manufacturing & Operations

Dallas · 200,000 sq ft Dedicated Plant

  • ■Optimized for high-volume catapult manufacturing.
  • ■Full vertical integration of heavy fabrication, assembly, testing, and integration.
  • ■Designed to scale in support of the Helix production ramp (60k → 120k UAVs per year).
  • ■Co-located with Helix final assembly for system-level testing and delivery inside the consolidated 500,000 sq ft Dallas campus.

05 · Competitive Moat

Structural Advantage

  • Vertical Integration — Control over both the drone (Helix) and the primary launch system reduces integration risk and increases customer stickiness.
  • Doctrine Alignment — Enables the preferred launch mix (ground catapult primary + aerial secondary) while preserving full EMP hardening.
  • Aftermarket Lock-In — Recurring revenue from spares, maintenance, and consumable sabots.
  • Limited Competition — Few defense contractors combine attritable drone production with purpose-built high-volume pneumatic catapult systems at this scale.

06 · Investment Thesis

Strategic Force Multiplier

Saber Catapult transforms Helix from a standalone drone program into a complete, end-to-end attritable autonomous system with controlled launch infrastructure.

It strengthens Saber Defense LLC's position as a Tier-1 integrated defense manufacturer capable of delivering both the platform and the enabling launch architecture.

Bottom Line — Saber Catapult LLC is not merely a component supplier; it is a strategic force multiplier that materially increases the operational utility, scalability, and long-term value of the entire Helix program.