Drones have been around for much longer than you realise. Many people are unaware of the vast history of drones. Drones have in fact been around for over 100 years, even though they are getting popular recently due to its commercial development. The beginning of drones can be traced back to 1783 where it was invented as the first aircraft that did not require a human pilot. Joseph-Michael and Jacques-Etienne Montgolfier hosted the initial public unveiling of an unmanned aircraft, a hot air balloon in Annonay, France.
In 1849, Australian artillery lieutenant Franz von Uchatius invented the balloon bomb which was later used by Marshall von Radetsky to attack Venice; however, they were unsuccessful.
The first modern drones were developed in 1935 when the Royal Air Force’s commenced in 1918, when the UK needed effective and optimum methods to train their pilots to fight enemy planes. So, they used the De Havilland DH.82B Queen Bee aircraft as a low-cost radio-controlled drone for target practice. Many see this as the present-day drone.
In 1986 the U.S and Israel collaboratively developed the most successful Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) platforms in history. This enhanced version boasted substantial payload improvements.
After the devastation caused by hurricane Katrina, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operated in civilian airspace for search and rescue as well as disaster relief operations. Predator drones were equipped with thermal cameras to After the devastation caused by hurricane Katrina, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operated in civilian airspace for search and rescue as well as disaster relief operations. Predator drones were equipped with thermal cameras to detect human heat signatures from up to 10,000 feet. It was around this time the consumer drone industry began to take place.
While DJI had yet to become the marketplace giant it is today, companies like Parrot, DJI, 3DR, and many others were looking to repurpose military UAV technology. The potential for industrial and consumer UAV markets were significant enough for many businesses to invent in this sector.
In 2010 Parrot upgraded the drone technology to an extent where all it needed to be controlled was a smartphone. In 2013 DJI produced the first phantom drone. This drone sparked the modern-hype for camera-equipped drones. Within a few years DJI dominated the consumer drone market. In the same year major delivery platforms such as amazon, FedEx, UPS, Uber and countless other delivery companies recognized the benefits of drones and started selling them through their platforms. Due to the demand, testing for various UAV and work with regulatory agencies began around the world.
In 2020, due to the pandemic the demand for drones skyrocketed. From quarantine and social distancing enforcement to mass disinfection and medical supply assistance, drones have been essential during the coronavirus outbreak.
Now more than ever rules are being adjusted to provide fast-track authorizations for promising use cases. It’s impossible to predict the long-term impact of these developments, but one thing is certain, that the pandemic helped countries across the world realize the potential that drones hold for society.
Drones that were once used for wars are now being used in medical, agricultural, industrial and other sectors making life better, improving the standards of living and boosting the world’s economy.
