Abstract: The disclosure provides a rapid UAV launcher comprising an upper shuttle assembly and typically a plurality of rail systems. Each rail system comprises a lower shuttle assembly extending into a rail channel and translating over a rail surface. The rail channels of each rail system e generally parallel. The lower shuttle assembly of each rail system is coupled to a winch strap at a first end and an intermediary rope toward the intended direction of launch. The intermediary rope extends through the rail channel, through a brake disposed in the rail channel, around a pulley, and couples to a forward bungee connector coupled to an elastic unit. During a launch sequence, a rear mounted winch reels the winch strap to pull the lower shuttle assembly toward the winch, elongating the elastic unit, and providing individual tension forces to the lower shuttle assembly of each rail system.