The Flying Robot: Drone

Drone is formally called Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles (UAVs) – that is, without a human in control.

Essentially, a flying robot, drones are controlled remotely or can fly autonomously through software – controlled flight plans in their embedded systems working in conjunction with GPS.

The present highest flying and longest endurance unmanned aircraft to see extensive use is the Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Hawk and the U.S. Navy variant, the Triton respectively. They can fly at altitudes of up to 65,000 ft. and can remain aloft for up to 35 hours.

Uses of UAVs:

• Helpful in accessing areas that are considered too dangerous for manned aircraft.
• UAVs that are equipped with air quality monitors can monitor pollutions by providing real-time analysis at various elevations.
• Used in the military for launching attacks on enemies.
• Civil uses include aerial crop surveys, aerial photography, search and rescue operations, inspection of power lines and pipelines, counting wildlife, delivering medical supplies to otherwise inaccessible regions etc.