A flying vehicle-launching apparatus and method for launching a winged
flying vehicle by accelerating the vehicle in a predetermined direction
includes a flying vehicle-supporting platform, a guide device, and a
driving device. The flying vehicle-supporting platform supports the
winged flying vehicle so that it can lift off therefrom. The guide device
supports the flying vehicle-supporting platform across two or more
separated and parallel guide ways and guides the flying
vehicle-supporting platform along the guide ways.In the flying
vehicle-launching method, a propulsive engine of the winged flying
vehicle is started after initiating acceleration with a flying
vehicle-accelerating device. The winged flying vehicle is released from
the flying vehicle-accelerating device in a predetermined angle of attack
that is positive to a direction of acceleration after reaching a
predetermined velocity.