Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), known as drones, are becoming increasingly common for various uses, including commercial photography and military missions. Have you ever wondered why these soaring machines are referred to as drones?
Drones are called drones because the term was originally applied to male ants or bees that lack stingers and have a single function, mating with the queen bee. Later, the military began using this phrase to refer to unmanned aircraft utilized for surveillance and reconnaissance tasks.
The term drone is now the one used most frequently to refer to UAVs. We shall look at the definition of the term “drone” and how UAVs came to be connected in this article.
The Origins Of The Term Drone
Since ancient times, a male bee or ant without a stinger and unable to defend the hive has been referred to as a drone by the general public. These drones only exist to mate with the queen bee and contribute to the hive’s existence.
It is thought that the Old English word “drn,” which means male honeybee, is where the term drone got its start. The phrase eventually started to be used more liberally to describe any male insect without a stinger.
The military later adopted the term drone to refer to unmanned aircraft used for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The name drone ultimately grew more popular, but these early drones were frequently referred to as “remotely piloted vehicles” (RPVs) or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The Use Of Drones To Describe UAVs
The use of drones to describe unmanned aircraft began to acquire prominence in the 2000s as the use of UAVs increased in military activities. The term drone was used to describe these aircraft because they had only one purpose, like the male bees and ants. It was to perform a specific task, such as surveillance or reconnaissance.
In addition to their single-purpose nature, UAVs were seen as mindless or automated, much like the male bees and ants. They were programmed to follow a specific flight path and perform a specific task without input from a human operator.
The term “drone” quickly became associated with UAVs and is now widely used to describe these aircraft in both military and civilian contexts. Although some contend that the word “drone” carries a negative connotation, it has emerged as the most popular way to refer to these aircraft.
Other Terms Used To Describe UAVs
While drone is the most commonly used term to describe UAVs, other terms are also used. For example, in the military, UAVs are often referred to as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), which include not only the aircraft but also the ground control station and other equipment needed to operate the aircraft.
In the commercial and recreational sectors, UAVs are often called “drones” or “quadcopters,” the four rotors that lift the aircraft off the ground. These terms are often used interchangeably, but all refer to the same aircraft type.
Watch this video to learn how drones evolved over time:
How Consumer Drone Evolved | History Of Drones | Drone Diary
Types Of Drones
There are many distinct varieties of drones, each designed to meet the particular needs of various businesses. To hold a camera for photography, some individuals need lightweight drones, while others need powerful drones to transport bulky medical equipment.
As a result, businesses create four types of drones: single-rotor helicopters, multi-rotors, fixed-wing aircraft, and fixed-wing hybrid VTOL aircraft.
- Single-Rotor Helicopter Drones
Single-rotor helicopter drones can be propelled by gas or electricity and resemble miniature helicopters. Its steadiness and ability to fly farther are aided by its single-blade and gas-powered propulsion.
Typically, these UAVs transport bulkier items like LiDAR systems, which can be used to survey land, study storms, and map degradation brought on by climate change.
- Multi-Rotor Drones
The smallest and lightest drones on the market are frequently multi-rotor models. For enthusiasts and aerial photographers, they are the ideal flying aircraft despite their restricted height, distance, and speed.
These drones can typically fly for 20 to 30 minutes while carrying a small payload, like a camera.
- Fixed-Wing Drones
Fixed-wing drones are highly effective because their wings, rather than rotors, create lift, making them look like regular airplanes. These drones often run on gasoline rather than electricity, which enables them to hover for over 16 hours.
These drones must take off and land on runways exactly like airplanes do because they are often larger due to their construction. The military employs fixed-wing UAVs to carry out attacks, scientists to transport heavy equipment, and even nonprofit organizations to bring food and other supplies to difficult-to-reach locations.
- Fixed-Wing Hybrid VTOL Drones
Fixed-wing hybrid VTOL drones have wings mounted to rotors and combine fixed wings with rotor-based drones. This technology combines a fixed-wing design’s endurance with a rotor-focused strategy to provide consumers with the best of both worlds.
With this combination, businesses use fixed-wing hybrid VTOL drones to speed up deliveries even more while providing a more flexible flying experience.
The Future Of Drones
As UAV technology advances, we will likely see even more uses for these aircraft in the future. From package delivery to search and rescue operations, drones are already being used for various applications, and our imagination only limits their potential uses.
As the use of drones becomes more widespread, we may see new terms emerge to describe these aircraft. However, for the time being, “drone” remains the most commonly used term to describe UAVs.
Conclusion
The word drone first appeared in the realm of insects, which referred to male ants and bees without stingers. Later, the military began using the phrase to refer to unmanned aircraft employed for surveillance and reconnaissance tasks.
Although other terminologies like unmanned aircraft systems and quadcopters are sometimes used to describe UAVs, the term drone is currently the most frequently used. Future UAV applications are likely to expand as technology develops further for these aircraft.
