Keith,
A variant of this was done in the 50’s by the a three letter agency here in the
states. In principle there is nothing that would prohibit one from using this
recovery method.
Why UAS or RPA vice a crewed aircraft? Development of UAS / RPA from scratch is
not a trivial matter whereas there are commercial aircraft (think C-130) on the
market now that would probably meet the mission requirements.
As you have framed it, I think there are easier/lower cost solutions. And
before going down the aircraft purchasing/developing route, I would work real
hard to identify non-material solutions. All of which is probably moot unless
your friend works for SpaceX and I have it on good authority that they have
already investigated this option.
Feel free to PM me if you or your friend would like specifics.
Regards,
Shawn
Sent from my iPad
On Dec 29, 2019, at 12:01, Keith Henson <hkeithhenson@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Someone I have known for a long time asked me about using a remotely
controlled helicopter to aid recovering the SpaceX fairings.
It is a topic about which I don't know enough even to be dangerous.
But I said I would try to find someone who knew enough to critique his
ideas.
If there is such a person on this list, and you are interested, I can
pass on this guy's email.
Keith