Optionally-piloted vehicles are still looking for their niche, but I suspect that they will prove their value in the long term. They will allow easy transition from the "Triple-D" set of UAV missions (anything that is dull, dirty, or seriously dangerous) and back to the manned mode for other missions without needing a second aircraft on the ramp.
http://www.aviation.ca/2012080712286/news/international/us/12286-rockwell-collins-autopilot-performs-successfully-during-aurora-centaurs-first-fully-autonomous-takeoff-and-landing-test-flight
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