DARPA want to launch/recover mutiple UAVs in flight - ideas anyone?

[Mechta]

2014/11/09 Wanted: Ideas for Transforming Planes into ?Aircraft Carriers in the Sky? (http://www.darpa.mil/NewsEvents/Releases/2014/11/09.aspx)

Military air operations typically rely on large, manned, robust aircraft, but such missions put these expensive assets—and their pilots—at risk. While small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) can reduce or eliminate such risks, they lack the speed, range and endurance of larger aircraft. These complementary traits suggest potential benefits in a blended approach—one in which larger aircraft would carry, launch and recover multiple small UAS. Such an approach could greatly extend the range of UAS operations, enhance overall safety, and cost-effectively enable groundbreaking capabilities for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and other missions. Sounds like they want to carry more than just a couple of Firebees.

Carried externally, the UAV may limit the cruise speed of the carrier aircraft. Internally, well...

How would you do it?

[Courtney Mil]

Use a C-130. Throw them off the ramp and tow a big net to catch them. Simple.

[KenV]

There was a proposal/idea put forth many years ago by Douglas folks to turn the C-17 into such a carrier. It included the ability to launch and recover multiple UAVs while in flight.

[Evalu8ter]

This might be worth a look at....

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Akron_(ZRS-4)

[Lonewolf_50]

My first reaction to this story was
"So, some of the guys at DARPA play StarCraft, and they want to build a Protoss carrier, eh?"

Well, I am not the only one who thinks this.
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=Protoss+Carrier&safe=strict&start=30

FWIW, back in the 1990's, some of the professors at the US Air Force Academy used the Blizzard game StarCraft to teach cadets some of the applications of the principles of war (IIRC there are 9) as codified in US Joint Doctrine. As a teaching tool, SC does a decent job of providing lessons for that. It's also a fun game. :D

[Mechta]

"So, some of the guys at DARPA play StarCraft, and they want to build a Protoss carrier, eh?"That thing looks like Stingray on acid.

http://www.pprune.org/data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAkGBhQSERUUExQWFRUWGBUXGBcYGBcYGBgaFxUYGhYYGBYXHSYfGBok GhoYIC8gJCcpLSwsGB4xNTIqNSYrLCkBCQoKDgwOGg8PGiwkHCQsLCwsKS0p LCwsLywsKSwsLCwsLSwsLCwsKSksLCksKSwsLCovLCwsLCwuLCwpLSwpKf/AABEIAMIBAwMBIgACEQEDEQH/xAAbAAABBQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAECAwUGB//EAEAQAAECBAMECAQEBAUFAQAAAAECEQADITEEEkEFUWFxBhMiMoGRofBCscH RI1Lh8RRicoIHM1NjkhVDorLC0v/EABoBAAMBAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAwAEBQb/xAAuEQACAgEDAgQGAgIDAAAAAAAAAQIRAxIhMQRBMlHR8BMiYZGhsYHBBXEU M+H/2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA/APDYUO0ICMYaHhNEkojGItF0iW5iSJMESpUEDZDEy2SOY+RgQCDtonup8T9P fGA2gmQoYQ7Q4EEwgmHyxMAMLvV4cJg0AhliQTFyZUJcuDRiPWFsr0ENrviQ RD5IICrqobJBc1TtQUYU+vHjD/wqqPRw4fXd8oDQbASIsTM7JSwq3OnHSL1SIr6qF0m1AykRHLBKpcQyRqNqRQ 0IiCerhuog6TailEWG3GCZWDJguTs6GjjbJSypGV1cSThidI3/APpWVt7P74w8zC5RQV5bvvFn07XJL/kJ8GCcI14SpdB4vaNJeFJqBExspTOQ2vvhE1jb4Q/xUuTKycISpNqfrWNWZhAm8CYhYD09+/nDPHpW5lk1cAnUwodSoULcR9wURciU8VJEXSyQaRAuTTIrBMvCtpFkqaNR5f aCkTUjf5GMLuUpw0WTCEJdXhv5Qpm0gB2U+J+w+8ZeImFRdRf3oNIJqK1rKi Sbn38oi0SasESMM4peCEHyQgiNOTsxRvpeK1Yd+LNBVAoCyRdKTFowzNSJiV DALJEp9HiczDcB5wZg5nVh2fgaRVNKjuJPvlGMBpSA7vw3Px4NEkYenCL0SC dLA2+cXZAPLdBivMRyBxIiXV1ta/77/tBDPz5/eLcPhFLUEpFTajk8hc+EXUfIi5gRk0raKlS47OR0BxRTmmI6pLUM5SZfkhfa NNyYzcVg5MgqEydKJP5HWoHgkN6jy0WWlcsC1PhHMmSTpEThDGsrGyiWly5s w71FKBw7KXPrEglWqUDkkH/yW58miaafA7tLcyU4Yc4tThuEaHUElzWCpOE4RWMTmnkoAk4aNPAYQlQAi8Y bKWIrQ5Rdt5/KOJvoDHUbK6LZUdbiVGSg1SkABSxzVRApxPBoZ5seL5pukS0ZMvyxW5iL2GV qzBi9noKc7RszuiqZZILTAn4wfw+LTFMk+cHDbhUkjCysgAZS1gFSNHKlujL q6Sm2to47au1pYUStf8TNfupUpUtOhzTC5Iscqc1j2g8Bf5KDd4oWvN8FI/4+dVknT8kFz0yUZsiklIuUgqAO4rUyR4FZ4RkzcZmqgMn86qqP9INB/Uw4DWKJCziVFUxWZMoDsJAShLk5UpSKCxf51otoTSOENHJPLHVLjyRpRhilo jz5sBxq78bnfxLxlThB84wHNG+IzdlsYK0KEYUSOiypKIukorDhETQiELB+E QnXTfbgInNQKkRRhz738Itnrahd91r6/KCggkxMDLTBc1wz8xx+8DKSXggHRJJtGhgMFmZnGj/aK9n4VSi6ajXwjelS8gcgg7xz09axOTCgZODKeyVXrT5GAZqCgkPQ+/rGwopKsz+b1paMzFjMHBapAH1doeIrAykmExpBKZNK3i6VLq3L5xRRsRuhpK Pd4I6pn/eJJS1WhiH9Yrpok5FSyXtXf9/esMXZz73xf1b0FS4Aa53ADXSkbmzpcjBnrMUc06hlyEspQOilO6UncVOBola qJWTURVb4CtidE0IQmbjArtoUuXIS6VqSASFzSAVIlksKB2LkpDPDFdPhIzI wiEywaPLTkPD8RJM1Z49c3CMHpFt/E4vNm/Dlu/VozFzRlTFKOacvis8mgSRgQkp65E1BuUpZKj+Whql6abzWJJTyd6RT5YAmM2 liJ+aYtSyHAI7QBKnYGrk0NyTBOy9jgqGer2SKDgC1SeVY1puGJmIkhLFK8y kg/wDcVQIBP+mns/1KXuj0LopshOHQqahSErSlhOWnPlUsdnq0C4CCFaFWeXUBRTEo6Vu9/L1Glb2W3mc7jeiAwqAucOol0zqZS5hzN2JaB3SQWK1lLuw1zAox2z15wkYoL BA7QkoDlwAwKiDQ00A4QtvYlIKiV4idMP8A356xLUlz2urCxllginYdVS26M jo50anYlRTh5KQC468lakga5RlBmHgkHiBeM8rhvYfhxezReiWFqAlhRcsBc k8GFf3gqWpSljD4RBnYk3UkZgjeJfwkj4piuyn4a9obE7Z2CwMsy1z1LVaYm WQZq96FLSrLIln8ucE/FmjGnf4j9UgysJLRhpZvkTmJbeRkCzzJTwBrGfVOaqH3Jx6eMZanv9DvtidH sLs2UJmKWhc/vKGYFKVGtVK7yhvvcgaxy/Sn/EdExRVKR1pBAClA9WkmwFAVGmjcoysXsiWvLMnz5k4qYntJSwNbKSpqWYwJi cPhgAJctbkU7fnYB+YpvIhJdJbUp7vtb/SDHqIq1H+dv7MzG7amz/8AOmEpeiEslCa/kHZHryesNtnBKkJd0ZVOkZS/wirkMoM9Q4BOkbeE6D9eAysitzlQZ9+h845jbWyJsiecOt1LzAgarzgBLDe4 a54cTkxTg0prngbFnx5L0Pjk2uheGaVOmEFlKShO50pJUfIxZtCS4fdHS4rY 38Ng5CUXQSlb0eYe/Tc5LHcBHP7VlrswEezCDjiUa4PFeRZMrmvM56YGgKZSNCelqcz6V8GjJnzXt HJNVyehj3KyYUV1hRGzoovlqpFuXdFJnEgA6W84tkTmZ4QsTBbSJkvUwioE7 hEVKbw5ekEI06cpQSkmiaDhEpEkFq74qUH/AFbwrBEhJ0gGsMkTygML7/GggxUtZZQctWpu55wHKLEP78I10TBvD+9BaNRgNUo00PPzr6xBEntVIbx9Wr BMy+noYlMbd7rFYxJSkDqRlHtvf6ROXK13xelFIJw2DKgSG+28t7sY6YwOaU wbqCeT29OQ0gmTssqBUSEoS2ZajlQj+tRsdwDqLsATGgpScMQVOZtFJlJOWZ oUqmLb8FPN1lgyQGUM7GzpkwgrFiciUpIlyye9kQX7W9aiVHUwJPtH79hV5s rXiQg/gFQ3zSkJWoG4lpNZSDWp7av5A6SKuQEksXJqS5cuKuTUnjEg5NKCHWKU8bXq zQiSQ1tg9RUOG1jV2JglhSFhJmYiaWw0u5eoOIU/wpL5XuoP3UFwJQSjKpbFRqiW57THvTMvaTLHmqydVDY2T0exGIWZrFIopU2Y BLSAKChZkMwAYJYM8c2XIpfLe3f09S0IVvRqy+iAwwaamYuc9gCkN+bOvKEp/wBxRB1ZyBFo6KYueCEzEYeSKnKqatPFRK1ZT/U6U0owYRWdoYRCgJMtOOxDt1hQmXKBD/ElIKyHZkB/5iI5DbfS/EYotMWSi4lhOWSniJQcE/zLzHlHFep3399vU6EqWxvLk7LwRzDNtCc9VEgSArcVNlVySF84y9udPMTPSU BYlS7dTJHVoYWzqfOr+4+AjnjiVqoFC3BI5ZUAE6atBI2UE/5qwcvwpSspD1+BGU+cNoXPL9/wb/Znh1HfXw45R7A1h5QOc5kktRNwlgdDlL741SJYFaf2pBbnNmJpwaKVpkjeOI VJ+i/rBV90Nt2KlbTWbBKRbMBmPIFVH5Jpwjp+j2BC5YU2UlRck1LMxJNTfXi0AbN 2PhlALM/FXIKJaMxHEqExbD+2OmwWy8Ok5lDGKGgEgjzWZsoH/iI6ME/hzvTZy9Rj+JDTqo3dmz0S6UJAvSM3DbLOK2rPxSR2cGlCEkhwcQxKQ38qifF IgefjcPKQuYjD4nOjL1XXTElC5yierT1aFqoGK1OogJQQe8Iq6PdNFSJHV4d KMzuuctJmFcwklawpSgC5L93UVLV6snUPqMq+XaP7/wDF+zgx9KsEJNT3l3+h22M6OypckrnTVTLGoYBRHacihc2F+ceY9JdrpKiE6 Ui7bPSCdOVmmzFrU11Gw3JSAEoH9IEcrjFuXrWOyXUSjDT3ZPF00NVrgAxWI KjAS4MnS8td9vMjypA8yVUOabwOOgjzZW2erBUV5juhomrj84aAOXEPx/SJS5zWv97xTmiQmM1ve96QtjBUpYMXIG8a3gGTMLwag6/OCYuWgHRgOft/vFkgCvi3H39IGE3SrHTSJ53t+9mpGMWmcdH4sdHFD4j5RalZN3MQkpYsRahG v6QdLkNce3byp6RWMLElKh8PJNxSn1gpJOUIpd3YPWl91LRORKdhbjGlhcIA krUQlAAJUp2D0FnKiTZIBJsA8dUMfmceTJb2KMFs8rIDO70q9Bd7Mwd9GL0D xZiNqZRkw1SC5nioBseoBopX+6QwbsD4jLGZpiSAnJJ+IKKU5gCG69ZOVCXF JTtYkrLEYu0dtSpVKzVbh2EimqlDMRwAD6GJZcsVt28u79EHHjk9+/4RdJkiwclRJN1KUTcl6qJepic+aEgJmzUS0ioSpRUob/wpeZQpvA5xzOM6SzVgpzBCT8EsZUn+o95f9xMDYXZ8ycrq5ScyjZKXs9STYJ GpJAEcjyze0dkdCwrmW7OmPSLBy/hn4hVqlElHkOsUfNJ4RobM/icWPwcLKkyy4MyYlWXkkqdSyKWfiwgvZnRLD7PQleKUDONerSCpRP5UpDHxJ A1IWkxXjOks3Fky5EuYUCmWWb7hNxFEpH8kthuOkTljXMm/vt9hlLeoovlKwuCzVOLxANRRMlBp3mOVNrOVai7RibX6RTcQXnKzJBpLDplp 49X8f9Sr6iCcTsBctI/iZsrDJA7MtPerwu/EJIMZytpYWS3VSjOW9FTaJfgjU8gInFwW8Fb8+3oUab8TOiwqZaMF16J6Ja1 gOOrnEICVN3kIIdyzWALb443D7Bz1RnWj/VWUyJNN0yaWPK/CNMbWUSVTwFLpkw6UBKCfhXOIqUjRN1akChCGBmT5oVMXmVMUlIch1KWeylz RKeFAAHO6FjDS3J8sfVtXkCzMFKS4EwzCLlLplJG8zFgKU+7Kl9CYCYE9kdl +81BwSDUnifSC8fhSJikKyhKFHspJyuO8pRLEkWemoozRUie60JSNQHtR9Bo PXlD009xU01aFMlhKSWu9ySqvlW3Cod4hOPZcUy5R4n9HMNtBTq5/U/ZoJXhHGUkJcyXJLAdg1Jgc0ZbWG9FttypEw53SFsFEAkEp7ppUa0rd+Edcnp HJUoJlDOpVmGRAFyVzFd1IAJJqwBMcJJllE5A6sz0qICWCk9Y7ABLBy6i1qx v7W2lLk/hhACz/AJxSE1IY9UlqZEkDMbKUkXCTm6IdVPHHRFq/e5x5ekx5Z62mDdL9tKxExCEghABSgMQDmYKUX+JRYkaJShJqFRoGSEIShNgG r418bxnYGQZ0zrprBILITYDKbPuB11JL6sVPxiVFgcx/lD+tvWOnCtKcm+ff5IZvmqCXHv8AAHinVYHRz8nJ8fLhGbiABTVt0a2JWADY evuvzjAxU1z6Q2TYfErKJrg8aXpcOPRop8ffOHUfOr2PJoZWkct2diE3CFEg eEKNQRymIkRaEQ7V+n3gDDS6QR1/CKkiLAB9mtpd/GCAcqpb9rxKUpvfGG0prfnw8DFuGw+Yjj4epoIeKA3QTKXmP3rzNeNY05IzB uN9YHwmHc2dt8bqZaJMtK5gUc1JUpH+ZOU7Mm5CXoV76AE0jrhFRjqk6Rxzk 26jyNIEuVLM2cSlALBmJWpnyISe8q3AAuSKPjz+k02YrrFISmRLDIQQpQQVa hmzzFB3UW3ApDAQ2xigF58UUrmpomQktLkj8iiCajVAJU7lSgXjHnz5k8Oey izmiBUEhCQOAs53xxZOolldQ2R0Y8EYK5bst2pt6bPIOcu9BqAfyAMlD7kB9 5MCyNjk1WW4Ufx0EH4NKlKSiShU2Ypkgl3PBIu3Lxj0jo9/huiU0/HKStRqmWSkSwbjvdlROjgitAodsSThH6lak/ocrsT/AA/OIQFAiXJ7yphTUpqE5QX71Tm5ZQogiNXaPSSTgEmTg0gKPenHtLKuFXUsb3Z JdimqI0un+3JpR1UkpSxIUkTEJADE6rcqJABUe0WAcvTzhGzJi6qKRSrrT4d 0qfSGcu6FSvY2UbRkIBXiXmzVXQFZlb8q1USOIsPy75L6fTZgSiUOplu3VSA rrGY1K7nSgIiGyOhfWjMS6UuSpShLlAOauO0p2NhpG1htn4WTLzzCChyyQMi VAFgco7Sn3k+EcWXNji9935clo4W1tsvPg5/C7DVilOQZbDt5WmTVE3Ki4RLGjrWN9dDsfkwaEpwyEJnKcZ362aGuetICQdO wkAb1GLcd0zcZJMtKEC1AAOSBR+cc7N2pdnzE1UCQSGZis9puCcu6sPjllm7 kqXl3/k0owiqTsSlFFFFiXJSHUtR1Khc+LDnAE7HCYWrlFQ51oCpTa2A0EHIlryuns pNWSMg/u1V4kwBj5ISAQGGutdOQanhFe9sXtQRIwyiCGoQznc4ZvFvWIYKSZc1KVJ+N IrQjtJ7tan6E8xIYoqlV72cEEs+UpNOQIpziWUrKJhLkJDDiKAncKDygJNOm ZtUEmUJs5AAcJdJ8DTldvKCtryMqkKCAsqXRDEhmaWMovQP4iNXozsMS0qmz lMO8Emjn8yt2rJ84xdp48qKUoFGPbNCRYkPZLUfUDdAmpY9KFxyjkcma+M2w nCyyiWc+KWlpswF0yhrLlKTRx3SsUFUoclS45mRIUpVASdWDM1hSzenPukYL AuX+HeKPTTcOPkwvqKxqJPYQAVaJFG4qOgHHy1iuPDtqm/Vkp5a+WCtlEjYqlNmyps2rcKUtB38OmWmniTr4xZgyQkrVdVtGT8IA0e55jd Gfj8W5aPShjhjjfc8+U55JaewBjcWQXBbcfq8ZU1H68K/t5wRiVQGVOeHLhujlyO2d+ONIgq/z3RImjMLku1TYNyDfOI+/P9IdIiZYYiFEgiHgihcuUaEU5Q8yU13fXz9NPWJ1D3tX9d0VqXD7DDFQ0DeZ 4fcwgHsNPlDrr6DyDCLJJY0f72/TyhTDSEHN6W8PlGrhcCTobtbXceMNh8OKEC+mmkdVgFS8NIM7EF0v2QcxKyw ypCQRm5PUOHSMyk9WOCitU+DmnO3pQsJskSU55iQo5c6ZZVlTldutnL/7cgGj95Z7KKuRzG1+kqlTFdQSuYoMue2Q5QGyShQYeSBQAMoi+UHJFe2Ntz8 YXLolFThLuqYoUzKIAzrA7IIASgdlISOzHUdFP8L5uISFzh1MkAHtBg28JPe P8yvVmjzuq6rU7lslwjow4dK/bOY2L0Jn4lCpslKJgSoJICnCCQ4BDVo9e7Qx1+xv8KlzGVillVgEIZmdgM7G m4IBfRT0j1DZOxJOHlCRKTkRQ5adZMLd4pOpAfPMsBQJAia5LglLJSalZJYi zlRr1ba0VM/kRfjUsmR3HaP5f+l/b+xb5Yr6mDhsPJwMvJJTLD3YBqcamYQdVKKQdVEDKTipSVoTNnLzEgKANAl6 hi76gneal6MLjNqyerMuWkhKm61agM6k0KU07mYAMgNlSbAkRgbQ2oqeqlrC zDlXL4Pm4aR09PhqbyZXcey7X/ZLLktKEOe7J7V2ilsqBlHAAeSfvHPq2eVOTMKQGYKCVkq07LWZzV7AawVOyo fMuuoRfkZimPgEoPExh4zpK2YS0gCxI+qrnS5elzGz5ll/61b/AAhsWNw8TpF05F+sWctKVq1nGgAAFuUYG1sUZii5yJFhqwtT4j4sNIKk4idM BIAQkVKzpxdRYczAYn5pmWQlU+afiYkcwGBIG8sByjm6fE8dynyWyzU9olWF wAIzKBSgfGtWUeFA54BzEJ+00gNLS4FM66DwFyeflBOK2YEsZ83rptky0HMl JPwlaaKL/BLcfzC0BYlHVXYrqGDFKN4DUJvUcWe8dKlq4JNaeQaTtGZ1gcu5AIZId9KCk XYxQCpiCXFR/wAVsDD4KVl/HWN/Vg/EofF/Sk66lhvinDSwoFSjR6vuH6kc7awzAWy5AWHsnU0GY2AAFtedeLbWEliVLdgF FgkbnN2uSA7au3gFIZPaXp3UflBsVUuW3choLGMxwUqGYNnV2Am1WNWah4Hw gxt8CSrhmv1pmgZ6pDsjS11NepT2bb30x8Uc61KYqSmlA4pdzY1L+Iis4laJ KlGhJ6scCKrYcCw5pEDIx6liWhSsqEApDAMMx7Z4qO8xSCjdy9smoyrYmvaa jRIy1Z/i89OQrxi7Z2GdTXGp4PXzt/y5mvEzEKJ6tGSUlgk/EaM6laqJamnAX0MMjIjRzc+FG4NFI4m8nzO0hck1GFRVNhWOxQsH31/agjExk+L8XNppWM6dMDnX0FrxbJOyWLHRRMUT9v0ipavlubza/OJKPrWkRYRz8nUths0SDbyD7+kIj5mGMagks43ep+8KIiUTUPDxgBalVpz9v WIlX1itFTv9+sXok0LljxdzQ7hGsIw4eHvf94P2fLapbXR+UC4eUL+76xtYT D5jQM5NGLDdRz7MVxRtkskqQfgKsCT/APNAQKb6x0GI6HzNoTJFD1UqWlGU0zLdRUeRGV9SwsKxs9CuhfXAKmAJQmr2 KuejU8Y9Anz5GClFaiEgMHZySe6hKRVSibIFTcxx9f1EnJYsfbl++/6D00L+eXHZHN7B/wANpGFV104CZMAcJOXKhI1J7qUjd3R/NSHX0tViphl4NTpSWViWGRJZ8uGSrsqUznrV0ABUxEYHS/as7FSVLmkypAciQDWYU2E1aX6xbiqEshGpzBow+iG3VTcGqWqYEGVMU5CQSq XO7QDUBIWkjlloQI4enjDLO27r37b/AIOrI3GJ352jKw0sP285BCSVKmT3IKlqcFRQbhw6yxLJATGTtvpWMi+uJBmt +EFKoGYAMcxUdWu1mEcljek6ZSSmXVXxLWoJKjvJmP5EeUcvO2skkqVNAUb5 XJP99X5PHd4Xd39Oy9f19CKWrn36HQjpNX/KZAslJoK1zMPMAud+kB4zpHVgOyb5Qz7gSKnkzRhDbQBoFKct2sovS/afyEZc/bCySUkJ4pof+Rr5NEpw+NtPj/ZWL0eE3ccta0gq/CRvWQh+ABqQ24fSM+btKUkAJT1hFASClHke0f8AxjOTNKrqFXc0zng6q+DwX hpBmDIkEs5YF0pB+IuyUBm7ROl4ZJRjS2QLt2yMybMnkBSqXCbITxYUDb6k8 YNTi0yZeSV2s1z+c8QLgaJtxctEJMr4EHrlCpL/AIKOKlFs3ondmeFMnBKiJas834ptglriW/dA/Ma7stirjq54G1VxyX4maJAYnPiFUUdJQN0IaytFK0qBrGDOmV31rx8tPfK1b WTYXVZ+W4btT6AnC4Iiq0u7FMtu0q7EtVKfnxh1vsuBHtu+SraGJUpQJDEpS coskVypSNE5WLcYN2bhGZJZ2eg7QBs6iOzv37uFkvY0wnMpkE1zGp/tSLePlB0nDiUCEu5LqUbk7z714x1wwOXjWxyzzJeF7lyZSUaDwt53J53gTHg lJSkF1UoFFhrYXNoIloJLAEk2AF+DCpi+d1cn/Nmdv/SlkKmf3nuy/wC4vwi2WcFHTwQxqbla3MSbhJs5SUlLEOAljqXUo8y5JLeAEVnZ4QQFqSpVg hFXPEtTwc8rxtdfMWlkgSJZZwO8pmuVdpZq9WSNAbxFJlygcg7R1JzKNdVfZ uUc+PpnJ3LZfk6ZdQoqluwIYI0MwhnfL4MkNYJD2rxMV4nFP618BT5+cSmzi XJgScvdxHpX7R0ySiqiQVydyKZiwfvutFWInDQAByd5sBdhThzhKaKFLo3j5 fvHOzpiRN2Dnd+3OGeGJhIQTXyOnH3wjIYkDDFX7frFoSAIrmEP7HOC1RiIP FvGFFZhoSwhSTBiElIYpvlILGorZtDbmOcAAxdLL68PCAZmphkZjW7AlhQ82 jq9h4ErUkS0ZlqKUpD3USQNKDjplMcxghqb++F7R2vQra6JK1Z8ozAMpasoS wUCM9kulRS+4lqtHapPHilKKt0cU1rmovg9NlY6Ts7Blc1bpQAVLF5iiOyJa TvIZA3AqNKxw6NrKxU4YnFpKEWkyjmyy0qOrB0gh8y+/MIYAIBfF6R7axM7EJnGRMVh0OZLJWUkm84KQMuctqaBkhmjksZtOesl0qG4V ADu4ZVavcl7u7x83mxZMkdC2vl/0vXuevjcI7s67pd0lKylGaXlBypALAJYUATSWkhgwc8Y4LaOyZiAZik5EkgB JCtQ4DkMogXq8OlExaspSqrB2NKs54Xgnaey5xUC5mEpS6iMiUsAAkFbCgpS lIt02D4EKFy5NclXBiplnl6RZ/DEkZXL2DVfWkHysAEkGZOlJ/lSesV5JcesaiMBMUn8KTOyM2dQElJHGbMo3AMI6G0vE6E3fhMOaBLDUz1tXK +8i6mpS0LC7EmLSFHLLQSRnmEIS4ZwH7xDiiQTWNyTsvDIriJ8tRqRIwzrUo gOErxJBSgFm7Oc8BeM/ak5c1YVNyykgBKJSR/louEoQ7gVJdRckklyYGpy2h9zUl4iJRIlUSTPXZyClHJKO8rmcvKCZyDkAnn qpdxJQACojVQ38VZiOAgbD4goH4KMv+4qqmtQtQch4RSogF++s6q//J/+m5Rkkn5sLbf0RdNnGYlg0qULJFAd5OqzxL8zCwuDz0Byy9TqpteXy4xXlBI MxY5ZvmfoGEF/xssWUOSXLbmaOiGK3qyP+CE8lKofcPlS0IBSAaG4ccL3+sTTMy90Ab9548fG M3/qY+BBVzYD1iS1zpuoReiATe9TQR2LLFeBfZHI8cn4n92GzsSAHUrzoB7HzgJ W00/CCs2p2U/8jfwEMNlIFZino98x8/u8EompSOwkA7yK2338IL1y5dfsVaI8b/oskKmqBGYSgRZIKSeBV3zydIhScOhHdS55eoa3zgczzQk729+MEYTDTJyssp BUWctYDeomgD6mkaEYQ4W/mCUpz2/A8yaa/Sm/TdTSziB1F3p7bn4+Ag2ZsZaTluQlalUYAIqqp3cWJJAANCRcTMShSUrdI7OZ gCoAs9CRVjYmKXe7AotOkBYhX6fSAVriU+e5Ou7R9xijEzQSSAE2oLWA1338 YhJ7nTGJBVYqX7/eHUqNbovgBMnZ1t1aA5JAPaI7IAIIJ1ruifLorwLo7gkA9bOAyVCAQSFq1J/kQKk8hy0cTNzZ8iHcdksOyA9a2vblFm29q9Ym2USwxUzqIzaWA38zHL4naBN EukG9e0r+o/QU+cPtEXeRGeoAsKNd611+0UKVEkijxAimrxJuyiItDxYEcYaFCWoEXSU1/aK0pi+WIKAzTw6qD5RpyVhuGo33dqWprv8ALDlE8B51r5C/C2+5cqcGvX21X5x1wyUcmTGG/wAOgF05pan7yFqR6pf0ESK1F82JxQb/AH1KfzA53gQzDETMMBwg+wFOa7imYQkucRNP9WY+faMRROEugVJJ3rkBZrxm AxJSq/r84KRsMTcNNnqKyUKkyUAGmZax3v5cuZuMc+XDBrgrjzyT3YOOksxPdn5eEo Jk+suUD6wKvHS1qzTCZp/3Zq1+vZPrGROkhy1HqPEP+kVdWW4UPnHIoQi9kjruTW7Z0mG2m4UkTJUgEEN LTlcMaFYzKawqdYAXLvlmS/DOSeNUBjAOFwhVa2pjWw+GCLCrFj7HOgi0cbmSc1FgicIVXmf+/wBvrE5eyEHUnkn7qEF5Mt2d2b7vSu7hFasVu93EVWGK5F+I3wONny0734ZR5 0J9YmEI/KPn6KeBuv47/lviJn3v7/WCoQXYVym+4YZyUsQHPH6XhpuMJ1pVoDC2AcEPUPqDZvF6xWqc/wCkU1eQmi+Q3+IOvu0LrIESqJ9ZGsVxCDMf2/kBHddH58rBI6pamnEdbOo5lpDBMp2ourk8SnUxLo7sqVIKFLQgKABTMWXVma igCAEgF2Aq4STYiMDaM8GYRIBWCtSytTVP5jvbRSvBqk0SrkCq6C8RtF1E5H KgwQHtWhe4OpLPSjX5XaJyqUVjtqJqSVFyXUrd9awYvbxk9yZnm1GYVloBvk Hxq0zniz3jExOJUs5lqKjx92eBka7FIJ3ZBSzEVKd38311d6mJNTz9tCURTe eAABruPI/SzwbLJFClQVI22uXLyJZqm2p14nSugG6AlxWRC6nyg0WzMUtTuoly5qWfe0R Q2vu0RMtoZ4Ww0SzQxXDCEVP7cmBYREtDw3j84UYxoplb4vQpt30iZSGuHFD xd7DXTWKlLoPfr50i1JClpnaaeAhJmUtWByrWnvhEwvjvgWJJWXidFipwuC3 DdABX5RdKWHsP7iWoK2bWvkOe1CaA7Dzg4dtas5tZo0NnbQyAoKmQVJWBXtL QR1YLAuHY1ajl4xRPyghhVr94NWm6reFIKwvaU70GZRPAAknyLwXPZivHdJm fj0DrVJHwgJfjlA+/lD7P2bnLmwZzvO5P30HMRdhcEqaSsslKlO5oHu3Fn9Q8HmcEICU1yj9z5mFx YbeqfBSeWlpjyWGSlI0Ap4O9N8BYjFh6Hi/MP5/WB5+IJ14afP3aKMw3PSvtqVis8naIkMfdk1TieMV9ZXl8+MQzge+e+KyuJ2V onn4+7tDBR5fpx84j1n0HlaGBvWCagjISnMxYEB3sSCQG5Od0VQyfDdrTyhD 2PHe0E1Fp5hiDYu1SKh6V0OheNbo9hhMmZ1tkQUkvZSqlKXLsGBJ4JsSwjBB iyXiCmxIO8ed9DxEZMDidt0h2sFN1qqvQG4fXLdr3LVPeLk83trHpUEplqUr KMqlMwNSocTU67oy1Em5J4+NbxGGlO+AKFCAiRMQEP+sIOJfCIhfvlDqNDX3 7eKS8IwomTQeP184isndX39oi8TC+y2gqz0doUYreEVfT5Q5UNISSHrAMVwz xJbaRCAYd4eIwo1mNMriJVFbw2aHsUISSo6uXP1NB5w60sSDTQv8AWISVhw/dcO3mfGIrX9NzPGMOtQ0vClqFQX4frFKlQ6TWtBACbGA2KqbKmTEEESxmUCQ C2ZqV3N6wLKxfZykA1Op3AEUNqcYDlz1JBANwx42iAP1/T94CbTGmotKkaycfRnYW5B3tqLwOqc4NoDlmJmz1a0Uc2ySgkWPTy9++MOdz cXsfnFJV73ROY9CXrZ7tp8mhR6HMzx3mKCaxJUQUdz/r+8GwUODCERf394f3wg2AkB7+cJUzl5QkLIqHFxzcMR5E+cQtGsxIef0hatr EHhZvfyjWYmr9Icrf09vFbw5jWYsU5vw9+QhCxDO/ofrrFbw5MYxErisxMxW0IxkMDElHe7boYJjQX1RSwYXrlGalSe9rYeEA1mdm hPBP8Mhz+I1Bpv0FdIeVhklI7SQ5LuUggDgTc6co1GsEMM8XT5ASAxBetGpw vWIzZYGrnhbzgUErBhQ0KAYK1974nNHyHyEKFDgCpCR1MyllIb/iuBp4r4H5mFCgmZXDqHZ8T8kwoUBmQ84X/t/9Yi/d4349o332HlChQgSViW3n5w+ghQoZGG084IxXfVwUW4MaQoUEwOdOUP8Ap8o UKMYpUYmoX5/SFCgisYGGMKFBAO9YYmFCjGGMIQoUYxKGNvL5GFCjBIGHV784UKFGGeIzYUK MzEIUKFCBHMNChRgChoUKMY//2Q==


http://www.teletronic.co.uk/img/gerryanderson904.jpg

Courtney Mils idea isn't far from one of my own; lobbing quadcopters out the back by the dozen with a coal shovel. Not sure I would want to be in a C-130 as they are bringing the net in though. May need a few old trawlermen to show how its done.

[NutLoose]

Tow a dart board behind it.

[dragartist]

Courtney, Re your #2
Been done quite a while back. (2001 ish) MMIST dropped a thing called Snow Goose. used a floppy wing (2200 sq ft Ram Air Parachute) but was powered with a Rotax motor with a pusher prop. IIRC the useful payload was only 200 lbs. It flew autonomously (Not RPAS).


It could also take off from the back of a truck. seen this myself quite a few times at YPG. Seen the video of the air launch not sure if it is on their web page.


They did develop a Gyrocopter version for the USN.


One solution could be this Cardington Air lander machine. I felt certain there was some schemes on the MDBA web site dropping winged bombs. Open the door and these things could fly back in for refuelling/re arming. A bit like an aircraft carrier in the sky!


I am serious about Snow Goose but not too sure about the air lander concept.

[Thelma Viaduct]

MBDA idea was more along the lines of having modular stealthy cruise missile launch from C-17 as part of the FOAS force mix. I can't remember in flight recoverable UAVs as being high on the trl. :zzz:

[3engnever]

Why bother recovering them when you can get all the data you need via datalink and then destroy it somewhere safe.

[racedo]

No really a new idea as the Airships had aircraft that they released and I believe recaptured with a hook.

What is probably really needed is a tractor Beam to bring the aircraft back on board...............beam em in Scotty.

If we can send unmanned space vehicles to Space Station then in air recovery is probably not going to be that difficult, once the software is written.

[ImageGear]

Since we are going for the wild and irresponsible approaches here's another:

Not multiple, simultaneous capture, but with the increasingly fine control achievable in UAV's, and judging by the flexibility and control that could be obtained with the shuttle telescopic arm or an over-extended refuelling probe, terminating in a flown platform controlled by stub wings might be a "flyer". The platform would need to have some type of quick grab/release mechanism. (Obviously the thang would need to be promptly evicted if it went berserk)

This all assumes that a comparable intercept speed could be achieved and maintained, and with the UAV wings folding as it is extended or retracted on the platform arm.

On the other hand, I could be smoking my socks and you would be quite right to say so. :ok:

Imagegear.

[chopper2004]

Avro proposed the Vulcan to carry and launch three Gnat single seaters in the 60s.

cheers

[GreenKnight121]

ImageGear - been done a long time ago: FICON project - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FICON_project)

For B-36 read C-17, for manned jet fighter read small UAV, and for one of the bomb bays read cargo compartment (with the trapeze fitted at the rear door). The smaller size of the UAVs will allow the trapeze arm to retract, bringing the UAV inside the cargo compartment. If the trapeze arm is mounted to one side then the UAV can then be moved forward, and another moved back to the arm.

A production RB-36F-1-CF Peacemaker (serial number 49-2707) was modified with a special trapeze (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trapeze) mechanism in its bomb bay and designated GRB-36F, and a production F-84E Thunderjet (serial number 49-2115) was fitted with a retractable hook in the nose in front of the cockpit. The hook would link the fighter to the trapeze which would hold the aircraft in the bomb bay during flight, lower it for deployment, and raise it back in after the mission. Due to the size of the fighter, only the cockpit, the fuselage spine, and the tailfin actually fit inside the GRB-36, which considerably increased the drag and reduced the big bomber's range by 5-10%. On a positive note, the fighter pilot was able to leave his aircraft while attached to the carrier, making the 10-hour flights to-and-from the target much more bearable.

The initial FICON trials were performed in 1952. First hookup took place on 9 January 1952, with first retrieval into the bomb bay on 23 April, and first flight of the complete system from takeoff to landing on 14 May. In 1953, the GRB-36/F-84E was sent to Eglin Air Force Base (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eglin_Air_Force_Base) where 170 airborne launches and retrievals were subsequently performed. In May 1953, the F-84E was replaced by the faster Republic F-84F Thunderstreak (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_F-84F_Thunderstreak), with the original YRF-84F (briefly called YF-96A) prototype (serial number 49-2430) modified for the role and briefly designated GRF-84F. When the RF-84F Thunderflash tactical reconnaissance fighter began entering service, the FICON role was changed from attack to reconnaissance.

As with the F-84, the RF-84 was supposed to utilize its smaller size and superior agility to overfly heavily defended targets and gather intelligence while the bomber loitered outside the range of enemy defenses. The scheme was found to be "tactically sound" and USAF ordered 10 production RB-36D to be converted to GRB-36D carriers with a complement of 25 RF-84K tactical reconnaissance fighters. The RF-84K differed from RF-84F in having retractable hookup equipment and anhedral (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dihedral_%28aircraft%29#Anhedral) tailplanes to better fit inside the GRB-36. Since it retained an armament of 4x 0.50 in. machine guns, it could also act as an escort fighter. The RF-84K could be deployed at altitudes of up to 25,000 ft (7,550 m) and added 1,180 mi (1,900 km) to GRB-36D's already impressive 2,800 mi (4,500 km) combat range.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dd/F-84E_FICON.jpg/794px-F-84E_FICON.jpg

[ORAC]

Which reminds me about XF-85 Goblin (http://www.boeing.com/boeing/history/mdc/goblin.page)
g46q-RUkAmc

[ShotOne]

Have DARPA's rules requiring recovery been thought through? If a UAS requires a large multi-crewed aircraft to remain on station for the duration of the mission doesn't that rather defeat the object?

[Tashengurt]

Didn't they do this years ago with the C130/ Buffalo hunter combo?


Posted from Pprune.org App for Android

[barnstormer1968]

We had a go too, and software and flight controls have moved on a long way since this contraption was touted:

http://i736.photobucket.com/albums/xx9/barnstormer1968/cd1fddd016bdbfc096ab882ab687a394.jpg

[t43562]

RE: Protoss carriers & StarCraft

It's extremely interesting to hear that someone thought of using Starcraft (1) as training. It's a bit chess-like in that everything you try to do leaves you exposed in some other way and the key to winning is to have the right strategy that counters your opponent's. It's like an elaborate version of "Rock, Paper, Scissors" because you have to commit to a plan with no information other than what you know about the psychology of your opponent and past battles. Your choice wins if you execute it perfectly and if your initial guess was right.

It was also interesting to see that it's very difficult to play outside one's own personality. e.g. if you're defensive like me, you get wasted every time by an aggressive player. But by playing counter to my instincts (very discomforting) I once or twice turned the tables. I think it's clear that some people have a very predictable emotional setup and therefore are at great risk of losing again and again without really learning.

The best tactic played against me was very early small attacks which put me in a defensive mindset - seeing dangers everywhere and wanting to move conservatively. Meanwhile my opponent ran around grabbing resources without being able to defend them but he didn't need to because my "head was in my shell".

I'm sorry to go far offtopic but I loved playing the Protoss and carriers with their drones were wonderful - a bit stand-off and able to handle lots of targets and providing many distractions for the enemy to track and attack while other units could strike.. :-)

[Lonewolf_50]

t43462:
It was an article in Defense News, circa 1998 or 1999, that alerted me to its use as a training tool. When I read the article, I had just taken a look into StarCraft at the time.
So, being a staff college graduate, I went back, put StarCraft back on the PC, got out my "principles of war" flash card, and began to mess about with the game as Terran. I think the USAF instructors made an excellent choice for a teaching tool, truth be told.

The Rock Paper Scissors model was a great success, eh?

A bit off topic, but I preferred at the time the Warcraft II model for illustrating to my young son some of the problems of joint warfare.

In that game, using more or less the same game engine, you had land, air, sea, and undersea as well as resource issues to balance as you tried to put together a plan and counter whatever you were up against. You also had to, depending on the map, often use amphibious assault as a means to achieve one's ends. The addition of oil patches in various parts of water on the game maps, and the need to defend one's oil patch if one wanted to build all of the right naval vessels really brought the resources fight to the fore.

Blizzard returned to their simpler game model in Warcraft III. It was more like StarCraft in that the maritime element was removed from the game. They added other stuff to increase the importance of leadership/generals/personalities/ and you can still see that influence in games like Defense of the Ancients and League of Legends. (The latter of which I have been talked into playing with my son ... that's a fun little diversion, but beware! It eats time like a hungry bear.)