DARPA's "Gremlins"

[Slater]

Given the current state of the art in such technologies, this wouldn't appear to be that much of a stretch. Or is it more challenging than it appears?:

http://www.darpa.mil/news-events/2016-03-31

[paul_c]

Completely achievable I reckon. I'd be intrigued as to the recovery system though. Would they fly straight into the back of the Herc or would they be recovered in a similar way to how Hercs used to 'catch' space capsules on re-entry?

[Giorgio N]

Pretty much all parts of the flight envelope have been attempted before in other past programs so in general this is all completely achievable.

The difficult part will be to design a recovery technique capable of working flawlessly every time. Today's technology sure allows to implement an effective recovery technique, the matter will be how reliable this must be and reaching the required levels may still take time

[Aeronut]

As I understand the concept the 'probe' on the nose was to be similar to the probe and drogue refuelling nozzle but with a more positive latching mechanism. Autonomous flight /refuelling contacts have already been demonstrated, so making contact and then reeling in the UAV could be achievable. The only problem I can foresee is the turbulent airflow behind the open ramp.