UAS Airborne Launch, Recovery Targeted

The Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency (DARPA) is working on a project that would enable a C-130 aircraft to both deploy and recover small, reusable drones called “gremlins.” Each drone would be equipped with any of several types of sensors weighing up to 150 pounds. DARPA recently awarded the Arlington, Va.-based Dynetics Inc., with a contract to develop the third phase of the project, which would culminate with a demonstration. The agency intends to prove that a manned aircraft can launch and recover four gremlins, recover them, and land. Ground teams would then prepare the drones to be re-launched within 24 hours. In time, the system could be adapted for use in other aircraft besides the C-130. The system would allow pilots of the manned aircraft to conduct surveillance missions at very close range, while remaining far from harm’s way. Also, because each gremlin drone would be serviceable for about 20 missions, maintenance costs for the manned aircraft would be significantly reduced.