Another concept is to launch the containers using a big rubber catapult and having them land in a web made out of the same material used in golf ranges, but several dozen layers thick. General Dynamics has proposed the design based on US Navy aircraft carrier catapult.

The containers would be loaded into a nylon basket, pulled back by a hydraulic winch, and then released into a low trajectory at approximately 325mph at 30 degrees elevation. A small drogue parachute would be attached to the container to deploy 4 seconds after launch, keeping the container stable and on course. Total flight time for the four-mile journey would be approximately 13-14 seconds from launch to recovery.

The specs for a 20' container are pretty simple - 40' and 45' containers would require double the launch bands and another 25' of pullback. Container weight would be calculated into a Mass+trajectory setting at launch time.

The FAA has given clearance for this as the containers would not exceed 3500' in altitude, but weather conditions may play some part as this would be strictly under visual control. Night operations are not anticipated at this time.