Have you ever heard of spying on someone using small gadgets flying in the air? Just like a remote-controlled airplane of a kid. That is what exactly a drone looks like! Here is all about drones.
Definition
A drone is an unmanned air vehicle. Drones are more formally known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or unmanned aircraft systems. Essentially, a drone is a flying robot that can be remotely controlled or fly autonomously using software-controlled flight plans in its embedded systems, which work in conjunction with onboard sensors and a Global Positioning System (GPS). Another name for drones is unmanned aerial vehicle, which is an aircraft that doesn’t require a pilot to be physically onboard. UAVs are often separated into two categories — civilian and military. While civilian UAVs are used for package deliveries and recreation, military drones are used for reconnaissance missions and aerial combat.
Working
To fly, drones must have a power source, such as a battery or fuel. They also commonly have rotors, propellers or wings and a frame. The frame of a drone is typically made of a lightweight, composite material to reduce weight and increase maneuverability. Drones with propellers typically have four double-bladed propellers that stem off four arms connected to the frame. They generate lift using motors that rapidly spin the propellers.
Drones that use wings, on the other hand, rely on the forward movement of the aircraft to push the wings through the air to generate lift. Drones require a controller, which lets the operator use remote controls to launch, navigate and land the aircraft — all while the pilot remains on the ground. The controllers communicate with the drone using radio waves, such as Wi-Fi. Drones also commonly have a camera onboard, which streams what it’s seeing to the controller held by the pilot.
Applications
Wildfire monitoring: Firefighters use it to survey an affected area to determine the extent of the damage and how fast a fire is spreading. Images taken provide details of the damage.
Agriculture: They measure and record the height of crops. They use lidar remote sensing technology that illuminates the crop with a laser and calculates distance by measuring what is reflected back. This can help farmers optimize agricultural production and promote sustainable farming practices.
Sports coverage: Television networks use drones to capture sporting event footage, such as taped and live flyover footage, that would otherwise be difficult to capture.
Biological monitoring: Drones with biological sensors fly to unsafe areas to take air or water quality readings. They can also check for the presence of specific microorganisms and atmospheric elements.
Future
As both personal and commercial drone use increases, government agencies will refine their rules and regulations. Drones will also introduce new security vulnerabilities and attack vectors. Some companies have also begun experimenting with drone-based deliveries. This includes uses for delivering food, mail and medicine. Expected improvements to drones in the future include increased flight times and range due to battery and power innovations.
It’s how drones are used that could turn the technology into a danger for everyday individuals. If regulations don’t do enough to promote the responsible use of drones, the general public may lose trust and reject drone technology as a whole.
