Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a rotorcraft-assisted system and method for launching and retrieving a fixed-wing aircraft into and from free flight. The launch and retrieval system includes a modular multicopter, a storage and launch system, an anchor system, a flexible capture member, and an aircraft-landing structure. The multicopter is attachable to the fixed-wing aircraft to facilitate launching the fixed-wing aircraft into free, wing-borne flight. The storage and launch system is usable to store the multicopter (when disassembled) and to act as a launch mount for the fixed-wing aircraft by retaining the fixed-wing aircraft in a desired launch orientation. The anchor system is usable with the multicopter, the flexible capture member, and the aircraft-landing structure to retrieve the fixed-wing aircraft from free, wing-borne flight.

The application relates to a cable drum support for rotatably supporting a cable drum, including a cross beam, on which two holding arms are arranged, which are aligned parallel to one another, wherein each holding arm has a respective laterally protruding and rotatably supported bearing pin on a free end, wherein the bearing pins are arranged aligned with one another on the holding arms so as to face one another and aligned parallel to the cross beam, and wherein at least one of the holding arms is shiftably supported along the cross beam. The cable drum support further including at least one actuatable actuator, which is formed to shift at least the one of the holding arms and/or to apply a torque to at least one bearing pin for rotating about its longitudinal central axis.