The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is funding research on systems that will allow unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to refuel one another in flight to stay aloft for extended periods of time. While drones have to date been launched from a base, completed a mission, and returned, the new area of interest is in using drones for long-term automated mesh sensor webs that stay aloft continuously. Raytheon has been the first to apply for a patent, but Northrop Grumman is also involved in this refueling research. Demonstration projects for this new autonomous capability are expected soon.
Read more about this research in this feature from the Arizona Star.
