The UAV technology, as we know it today, is more of a routine gadget for videographers, filmmakers, sanctioned government operations, and unmanned inspection aircrafts. And, drones too were mere science fiction projects like any other modern technology from smartphones to voice recognition gadgets.
But, when did it all start? Who came up with the idea of unmanned aircrafts so tiny yet so powerful that today it not only serves as a hobbyist’s equipment but also as a life-saving gadget. So, we took a deep dive into the history of drones and came up with a lot of interesting facts and answers.
Table of Contents
HISTORY OF DRONES
Spoiler alert: UAV technology sought its genesis as a part of armed strategies.
As irresistible as drones are today for commercial, personal, as well as military based operations, it is clear they have an interesting invention history. And, why not? It is an ingenious way to carry out an array of location specific tasks without even being there. So, the idea dates back to 1783 when Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier and Joseph-Michel demonstrated the first ever unmanned aircraft in Annonay, France.
It was a hot air balloon. Surprised much? We know. Although not a typical prototype you were expecting, some genius minds came up with something that doesn’t require a pilot onboard to operate the aircraft. It is a pretty big deal for 18th century people.
WHEN WAS THE FIRST DRONE MADE?
The testing for the first unmanned aircraft began after World War 1. In 1849, Austrian army devised the first ever armed and unmanned vehicle for war purposes. They filled hot air balloons with explosives as a strategy to attack Venice. However, the attack didn’t go exactly as planned. Few of the balloons worked, the rest flew back into the Austrian territory due to wind pressure.
Back then, other scientists sought to implement this strategy to develop an unmanned aerial machine. The US army launched a small monoplane, Larynx from the warship which could fly on autopilot. After turning standard E-1 planes into drones, the British and US army started developing the automated aircrafts.
WHO INVENTED THE FIRST DRONE?
Image source: Wikipedia
The first ever mass produced UAV product or aircraft was invented during the second world war. Reginald Denny, a UK born Hollywood actor and US military member developed the first remote controlled aircraft known as Radioplane OQ2. He and his partners won the first radio controlled aircraft military contract.
He pursued his interest for automatic aircrafts and started Reginald Denny Company, which produced over 70,000 target drones for the US army. After the American army experimented with the UAV planes, they constructed aerial torpedoes as target drones during the Cold War.
WHY THE TERM “DRONE”?
Image source: Wikipedia
Originally used in Old English, the term “drone” referred to a male bee who makes a buzzing sound and its sole purpose is to mate with the queen bee. However, in the 16th century, people started referring to lazy people and monotonous buzzing sounds as drones.
Later, in the 19th century, the British Royal Navy developed a primitive Unmanned Aerial Vehicle named British DH 82B Queen Bee. Five years hence, U.S Adm. William H. Standley assigned one of his commanders, Delmer Fahrney to design something similar for the US army after seeing the demonstration of British Queen Bee. Thus, he named the new US UAV “drone” to honor the British Queen Bee.
WHO INVENTED THE FIRST QUADCOPTER?
Omnichen 2 was the first quadcopter invented by Etienne Omnichen in 1920. It was developed as a solution to the helicopter’s vertical landing issue. Earlier helicopters counterbalanced the torque with the use of tail rotors. This torque was generated by a single, main motor. The whole counterbalancing phenomenon wasn’t efficient for VTOLs (Vertical Takeoffs and Landing). Thus, Quadcopters were invented. Omnichen 2 made the record with a flight distance of 360 meters and 1000 successful flights after that.
In 1956, Dr. George E. Bothezat designed Convertawings Model A quadcopter. It was the first ever quadcopter to control the yaw, pitch, and roll of the aircraft using propulsion. Two years hence, Curtis Wright V27 was developed by the Curtis Wright Company with fuel tanks, flight controls, and fuselage attachments.
The drone technology had a breakthrough in military operations, but in the aftermath of 9/11 CIA authorized the use of drones for target based armed operations. But, an innocent man was killed in February 2002 who was suspected to be the mastermind of 9/11 attacks. This spurred concerns regarding the use of drones in warfare.
In 2006, FAA issued permits for non-military, commercial drone applications. With some of the restrictions on commercial drones lifted, many companies such as DJI sought it as an opportunity to use drones for business ventures.
DRONES IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Ever since, the UAV technology has made strides and enjoyed expansion as drones became highly popular among aerial photographers, filmmakers, inspection officials for surveys, and others. Led by the research and tests, advancements in drones have made their mark in the drone industry. From FPV cameras, split screens to extended battery life, smart controls, and obstacle sensors, drones are only going to get more and more reliable.
WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF DRONES?
Image source: cnn.com
Companies are finding ways to improve living standards for using drone technology. Aerial imaging, environmental protection, dangerous rescue operations, and other problems have led to innovative designs for drones. Some potential advancements are mentioned below:
The aerial imaging capabilities of drones can help environmentalists and wildlife protection programs in capturing images of wildlife without making any sound. This won’t disturb the wildlife and help in analyzing any threats to wildlife. Moreover, it may drastically reduce environmental conversation costs.
As drones can reach landscapes and places where people cannot, they can help deliver foods and medicines to inaccessible places. This way we can help disaster victims and accelerate relief programs. This can also help people with movement issues or physical challenges.
CLOSING STATEMENT
Drones have an interesting history. Since its inception, UAV technology has proved how it could be used for a variety of purposes. Nevertheless, like all other technological advancements and innovations, drones can prove to be very useful if used for the right reasons.
