Tests involving the capture of unmanned X-61A spacecraft in the air ended in failure. In the end, they all landed using parachutes.
The defense advanced development Agency (DARPA) is actively working on the concept of an "air carrier", in which a manned aircraft should act as a drone carrier. Recently, tests were conducted with the participation of the C-130 transport vehicle, which showed difficulties in implementing the plan.
During tests conducted in late October, various aspects of the program were tested: in particular, the ability of the X-61A UAV to operate in groups. They also made nine attempts to catch the devices with the C-130 manipulator, which were not successful. As a result, all X-61A landed using parachutes.
The X-61A drone is a relatively small subsonic vehicle with a range of more than 900 kilometers. Earlier it became known that as possible carriers of UAVs, in addition to military transport C-130, strategic bombers are also considered.
X-61A tests
Image source: DARPA
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