Systems and methods for recovering and controlling post-recovery motion of unmanned aircraft

A method for recovering an unmanned aircraft in flight, the method comprising:

• inflating an aircraft recovery system to a desired pressure, the aircraft recovery system including a first inflatable portion and a second inflatable portion positioned generally normal to the first inflatable portion;
• flying an unmanned aircraft to intercept the recovery system;
• and
• releasably capturing the aircraft with the recovery system, wherein at least a portion of a wing of the aircraft contacts the second inflatable portion during capture.

An aircraft recovery system for recovering an unmanned aircraft in flight, the system comprising:

• an inflatable aircraft recovery system having
• a first inflatable portion having a generally horizontal orientation;
• a second inflatable portion having a generally vertical orientation operably coupled to the first inflatable portion, wherein the second inflatable portion has a landing pocket extending at least partially therethrough, and wherein the landing pocket is sized to receive at least a portion of a fuselage of the aircraft;
• and
• an inflatable frame positioned to carry at least one of the first and second inflatable portions and support the first and second inflatable portions during landing operations;
• and
• a guidance system positioned to guide the aircraft toward the landing pocket, wherein the guidance system comprises a GPS antenna at least proximate to the first inflatable portion.