Abstract: The present invention provides a system for reconnaissance using autonomous unmanned airborne vehicles (UAV). The system comprises a mothership, which is generally a fixed wing fuel tank capable of providing a suitable surface for flight (lift) and one or more elements for attachment of individual UAVs. The system further comprises one or more UAVs that are detachably connected to the mothership, and which are independently controllable for reconnaissance and tracking. The system and its individual parts are reusable and independently controllable, permitting low cost reconnaissance over wide areas of geography.