Unfortunately, they are also a finite resource. That's why DARPA is looking to share the load with the Aerial Reconfigurable Embedded System (ARES) concept, a compact, high-speed and highly-automated delivery system with vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities.

The ARES program grew out of DARPA's Transformer (TX) program that kicked off in 2009 with the goal of demonstrating a tactical flying car that could be driven on the ground like an SUV before rapidly switching to aircraft mode with VTOL capabilities.

Last year, DARPA switched focus, ditching the requirement for carrying personnel to focus on an unmanned system that would be able to bypass ground threats and deliver cargo and other essential services to difficult to reach areas.