A rotary wing unmanned aerial vehicle and pneumatic launcher system includes a rotary wing unmanned aerial vehicle and a pneumatic launcher. The rotary wing unmanned aerial vehicle includes a pressure tube, a launch detector, and a center controller. The pressure tube has an open end and a closed end. The launch detector is coupled to the center controller and detects the launch of the rotary wing unmanned aerial vehicle. The pneumatic launcher includes a launch gas reservoir, a launch tube, and a release valve. The release valve is located between the launch gas reservoir and the launch tube. The gas reservoir holds launch gas. The launch tube is inserted into the pressure tube through the open end.