A drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle that can be used for reconnaissance or combat. They are typically controlled by a remote operator and can be equipped with a variety of weapons depending on their intended use. Drones have been around since the early 1900s, but they have only recently become popular for civilian use.
So when were drones invented? Read more as we’ll tackle some information about the history of drones from their earliest conception as a military device to an aircraft that is mostly used for work and play nowadays.
Drone History
The first recorded use of a drone was in 1849 during the Austro-Prussian War. Austrians used remotely piloted balloons carrying explosives to attack the Prussian city of Dresden. The balloons were not very accurate and did not cause much damage, but they demonstrated the potential for using unmanned vehicles for warfare.
Drones were not widely used again until the First World War, when both sides employed them for reconnaissance. German engineer Hugo Junkers developed the first drone aircraft, which he called the Junkers J.I.
Then in 1935, The 82B Queen Bee aircraft was invented and it is considered to be the first modern drone. This unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was developed by the United States Navy in the early 1930s for use as a target aircraft. The Queen Bee was designed to be controlled remotely, and it was one of the first UAVs to be equipped with radio-control equipment.
The Queen Bee was first used in combat during the Second World War, when it was used as a target by American anti-aircraft gunners. The drone was also used by the British Royal Navy and the Royal Canadian Navy. After the war, the Queen Bee continued to be used as a target drone by various militaries around the world.
In the 1950s, the Queen Bee was replaced by more advanced UAVs, such as the Ryan Firebee. However, the Queen Bee remains an important part of drone history, and it is considered to be the first modern drone.
During the Second World War, both sides used drones for a variety of purposes, including target practice and carrying out bombing missions. The Japanese even used a drone aircraft to carry a bomb that destroyed the US ship USS LSM-45 in 1945.
Drones began to be used more frequently in warfare during the Vietnam War. The US military used them for surveillance and to target enemy radar installations and anti-aircraft guns. They were also used by the Soviet Union in Afghanistan.
Today, drones are now used extensively by militaries around the world, and their use is growing in other sectors as well. For example, they are being used for border patrol, search and rescue missions, and to monitor environmental conditions. Drones can also be used in surveillance.
Then in recent years, the potential of UAVs has been recognized by various industries. And for this reason, drones are used commercially today for a variety of purposes that some companies use them to deliver packages, while others use them for agricultural or environmental surveying.
To be specific, one of the most common uses for drones in a civilian setting is delivery. This can be seen with companies such as Amazon and UPS using drones to deliver packages to customers. This has a number of advantages over traditional delivery methods, such as trucks. For one, it is much faster, as drones can travel at speeds of up to 100 mph. Additionally, it is more efficient, as it takes less time for drones to travel shorter distances. Finally, it is more cost effective, as it eliminates the need for expensive infrastructure such as roads and bridges.
Another common use for drones in a civilian setting is search and rescue operations. This can be seen in cases such as when a person goes missing or when there is a natural disaster. Long range drones are often used to search for people who are missing, as they can cover a large area quickly and efficiently. Additionally, they can be used to assess damage caused by natural disasters, such as floods or hurricanes. This allows rescue workers to know what areas need the most help and where they should focus their efforts.
Aside from that, the popularity of drones for recreational use has been growing rapidly in recent years. This is in part due to the decreasing cost of drones and the increasing availability of drone technology. People are using drones for all sorts of recreational activities, including flying, racing, and even fishing! Some people have even started using drones to take aerial photos and videos.
Final Thoughts
Without a doubt, drone technology is growing rapidly, and the possibilities for its use are endless. And as drone technology becomes more sophisticated, the potential uses for drones will continue to grow.
