Abstract: Launch-controlled unmanned aerial vehicles, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A computer-implemented method for operating an unmanned aerial vehicle in a representative embodiment includes detecting at least one parameter of a motion of the UAV as a user releases the UAV for flight. Based at least in part on the at least the one detected parameter, the method can further include establishing a flight path for the UAV, and directing the UAV to fly the flight path.

Abstract: Launch-controlled unmanned aerial vehicles, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A computer-implemented method for operating an unmanned aerial vehicle in a representative embodiment includes detecting at least one parameter of a motion of the UAV as a user releases the UAV for flight. Based at least in part on the at least the one detected parameter, the method can further include establishing a flight path for the UAV, and directing the UAV to fly the flight path.

Abstract: Stowable and deployable unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A UAV in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a main body, frames carried by the main body, and motors carried by the frames. At least two frames are positioned to move relative to each other between a stowed configuration in which the frames are generally aligned proximate to each other and a deployed configuration different from the stowed configuration. The main body can include a first body portion pivotably connected to a second body portion. In a stowed configuration, the body portions can generally overlap each other. A UAV in accordance with particular embodiments includes a modular electronics unit carried by the UAV and including a camera, a battery, and a vehicle controller. Modular electronics units can be configured to be removably connected to and disconnected from the UAV and other vehicles.

Abstract: Launch-controlled unmanned aerial vehicles, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A computer-implemented method for operating an unmanned aerial vehicle in a representative embodiment includes detecting at least one parameter of a motion of the UAV as a user releases the UAV for flight. Based at least in part on the at least the one detected parameter, the method can further include establishing a flight path for the UAV, and directing the UAV to fly the flight path.

Abstract: Submersible unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative submersible UAV includes a support structure, a power source carried by the support structure, and a plurality of propellers carried by the support structure and coupled to the power source. The propellers can include a plurality of first laterally spaced-apart propellers positioned above a plurality of second laterally spaced-apart propellers along an axis extending upwardly from the support structure.

Abstract: Launch-controlled unmanned aerial vehicles, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A computer-implemented method for operating an unmanned aerial vehicle in a representative embodiment includes detecting at least one parameter of a motion of the UAV as a user releases the UAV for flight. Based at least in part on the at least the one detected parameter, the method can further include establishing a flight path for the UAV, and directing the UAV to fly the flight path.

Abstract: Wearable unmanned aerial vehicles and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative unmanned aerial vehicle includes a wearable, flyable support structure, and a propulsion system carried by the support structure. The propulsion system can include a power source and a plurality of propellers. In particular embodiments, the support structure can include a wrist band.