An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is an aircraft without a human pilot aboard.
AircraftAn unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is an aircraft without a human pilot aboard.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are a class of aircraft that can fly without the onboard presence of a human pilot. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) consist of the aircraft component, sensor payloads, and a ground control station. UAVs can be controlled by onboard electronic equipment or via control equipment from the ground. When itthey isare remotely controlled from the ground, itthey isare called RPV (Remotely Piloted Vehicle) and requiresrequire reliable wireless communication.
Testing of unmanned aircraft continued during the inter-war period. In 1935, the British produced a number of radio-controlled aircraft used as targets for training purposes. In particular, the De Havilland DH.82B Queen Bee aircraft was used as a low-cost radio-controlled targetstarget during pilot training. It is thought the use of the word drone to describe UAVs started during this time inspired by the name "Queen Bee."
UAVs for reconnaissance were first deployed on a large scale in the Vietnam War. UAVs also found useduse in new roles, such as acting as decoys in combat, launching missiles against fixed targets, and dropping leaflets for psychological operations. In 1973, Israel developed UAVs for Surveillance and Scouting with the Mastiff and the IAA Scout series of aircraft representing a significant leap in drone capabilities. In 1982, Israeli forces used unmanned aircraft to gain a victory over the Syrian Air Force with minimal losses. Considered the first battle where UAVs made a significant difference in the engagement's outcome, Israel used their drones to outmaneuver the Syrian Airforce.
In 1986, the US and Israel jointly developdeveloped the RQ2 Pioneer Drone, an upgraded IAI Scout drone with significant payload improvements. In 1996, the US developsdeveloped the Predator drone, which was used in Afghanistan to launch missiles and search for Osama Bin Laden. In 2006, the FAA issued the first commercial drone permit. In 2013, DJI producesproduced the first Phantom Drone, and many companies, including FedEx, UPS, Amazon, Google, and Uber, beginbegan discussing and testing UAV concepts for drone delivery.
The history of unmanned aerial objects or vehicles dates back to ancient Greece and China. In 1783, Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier hosted the first public demonstration of an unmanned aircraft, a hot-air balloon in Annonay, France. The first use of unmanned combat air vehicles occurred in 1849 when Austria attacked the Italian city of Venice using 200 unmanned balloons loaded with bombs fitted with timer devices, although they were mostly ineffective. The balloon bombs were invented by Austrian Austrian artillery lieutenant Franz von Uchatius.
During World War 1, multiple countries designed vehicles for the first use of pilotless heavier than air flight. These include Britain's Aerial Target (a small radio-controlled aircraft) first tested in March 1917 and the United State's Kettering Bug (an aerial torpedo) first flown in October 1918. However, neither was used operationally during the war.
Testing of unmanned aircraft continued during the inter-war period. In 1935, the British produced a number of radio-controlled aircraft used as targets for training purposes. In particular, the De Havilland DH.82B Queen Bee aircraft was used as low-cost radio-controlled targets during pilot training. It is thought the use of the word drone to describe UAVs started during this time inspired by the name "Queen Bee."
UAVs for reconnaissance were first deployed on a large scale in the Vietnam War. UAVs also found used in new roles such as acting as decoys in combat, launching missiles against fixed targets, and dropping leaflets for psychological operations. In 1973, Israel developed UAVs for Surveillance and Scouting with the Mastiff and the IAA Scout series of aircraft representing a significant leap in drone capabilities. In 1982, Israeli forces used unmanned aircraft to gain a victory over the Syrian Air Force with minimal losses. Considered the first battle where UAVs made a significant difference in the engagement's outcome, Israel used their drones to outmaneuver the Syrian Airforce.
In 1986, the US and Israel jointly develop the RQ2 Pioneer Drone an upgraded IAI Scout drone with significant payload improvements. In 1996, the US develops the Predator drone, which was used in Afghanistan to launch missiles and search for Osama Bin Laden. In 2006, the FAA issued the first commercial drone permit. In 2013, DJI produces the first Phantom Drone, and many companies, including FedEx, UPS, Amazon, Google, and Uber, begin discussing and testing UAV concepts for drone delivery.
2013
2006
1996
1986
1982
Considered the first battle where UAVs made a considerable difference in the engagement’s outcome, Israel used drones to outmaneuver the Syrian Airforce.
1980
1973
The Mastiff and the IAA Scout series of UAVs represent a leap in the capabilities of drones.
1935
It is thought the use of the word drone to describe UAVs started during this time inspired by the name of one of the models the DH.82B Queen Bee aircraft.
October 1918
March 1917
1917
Carrying 180 pounds of explosives, the Bug uses a system of pre-set internal pneumatic and electrical controls to stabilize the aircraft. When the Bug reached a pre-determined distance, the engine stops, and its wings would detach, causing it to fall from the sky.
1849
The balloon bombs were invented by Austrian Austrian artillery lieutenant Franz von Uchatius and put to use by Field Marshall von Radetsky, although they were mostly ineffective.
1783
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are a class of aircraft that can fly without the onboard presence of a human pilot. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) consist of the aircraft component, sensor payloads, and a ground control station. UAVs can be controlled by onboard electronic equipment or via control equipment from the ground. When it is remotely controlled from the ground, it is called RPV (Remotely Piloted Vehicle) and requires reliable wireless communication.
The phrases UAV and drone are often used interchangeably. However, many in the industry believe there is a distinction to be made where, unlike drones, UAVs have autonomous flight capabilities.
Originally developed for military purposes, the proliferation of drone technology has led to them being used in a range of other applications:
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is an aircraft without a human pilot aboard.
Aircraft without a human pilot aboard