Multicopter-assisted system and method for launching and retrieving a fixed-wing aircraft

A multicopter comprising:

• a hub base;
• multiple arms each having a longitudinal axis and each being removably attachable to the hub base, wherein a first plane passes through the hub base and generally includes the longitudinal axes of the arms when the arms are attached to the hub base;
• and
• a saddle having:
• a first portion attached to the hub base;
• and
• a second portion pivotably attached to the first portion, wherein a second plane passes through the second portion of the saddle, the second portion being pivotable relative to the first portion between a first position and a second position to vary an angle formed between the second plane and the first plane,
• wherein the second portion is also (i) attachable to a fixed-wing aircraft and (ii) movable to set a pitch angle of the fixed-wing aircraft.

A method for preparing a multicopter for flight, the method comprising:

• attaching multiple arms to a hub base of the multicopter;
• pivoting part of a saddle relative to the hub base to establish a desired angle between a plane passing through the hub base and a plane passing through the saddle, wherein the plane passing through the hub base generally includes longitudinal axes of the arms, and wherein the part of the saddle is (i) attachable to a fixed-wing aircraft and (i) movable to set a pitch angle of the fixed-wing aircraft;
• and
• locking the part of the saddle relative to the hub base.