Drones: From Military Origins to Consumer Revolution
Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have evolved significantly since their inception in the early 20th century. Their development has been marked by key milestones, from experimental models to advanced consumer and world news drones.
The history of drones traces back to World War I, where they were first utilised by the army. The Kettering Bug, an experimental, unmanned torpedo, was developed in 1918 by the US, capable of striking ground targets up to 10km away and traveling at speeds of 80 kmph.
The interwar and World War II periods saw further advancements. The US Navy started work on radio-controlled aircraft in the early years of World War II, leading to the introduction of the Curtiss N2C-2 Drone in 1937. Over 40 years later, militaries worldwide continued to develop and research drones, influencing many of the models we see today.
The GNAT 750, developed by Leading Systems Inc. and later associated with Northrop Grumman, made its first flight in 1989. It was adopted by the CIA in 1992 for surveillance operations over Eastern Europe. The specific aerospace engineer behind its development remains unknown.
Drones entered the consumer market around 2006, following their use in disaster relief efforts like the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The Parrot AR drone, the first to be entirely controlled by WiFi using a mobile phone, was introduced in 2010. The DJI Phantom drone, released in 2013, took the consumer market by storm.
From experimental models to advanced consumer and news drones, the evolution of drones reflects over a century of innovation. Their use has expanded from military operations to disaster relief and consumer recreation. As technology continues to advance, the future of drones promises further integration into various aspects of life.
