How much do you know about drones? What if all you know are mere myths? Worry not. By the time you finish reading this article, you shall have known better. We have listed some of the most interesting facts about drones in 2021 that you need to know. But we have also listed some common myths that you should stop believing about drones.
Related: Pocket Drones That Can Fit In Your Pocket.
Let’s start with the facts, shall we?
Table of Contents
1. They are also known as UAVs
Next time you hear someone talk about UAV, it’s not Greek. They are just referring to drones. In full, UAV means Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
2. Israel was the first country to build drones
This is an interesting one. In case you thought that the first country to make drones was the US or any other, you now know that it’s not the case. By Karem he is regarded as the founding father of UAV (drone) technology. He graduated in aeronautical engineering from Technion. He built his first drone during the Yom Kippur war for the Israeli Air Force. In the 1970s, he immigrated to the United States.
3. Iran-Iraq war
The first-time drones were used in combat during the Iran-Iraq war back in the 1980s.
4. Drones are used for humanitarian services.
In remote places such as some areas in Africa, drones are used to deliver medication, medical supplies, and food in order to save lives. Drone used to deliver medicine in Africa.
5. Drones are great farming tools
They are not just used in wars. Farmers, too use drones to monitor crops and determine which crops are ready for harvest. A farmer can also see which areas are infested with pests.
6. The US military uses drones most
They may not have been the first ones to make drones but they have embraced the use of drones for military purposes. It is estimated that 30% of their aircraft are drones.
7. The military was the first to develop drones
Necessity is the mother of invention, or so they say. Accessing some war zones in helicopters was proving to be difficult and the military had to invent a better way to fight hence the invention of drones.
8. They are used for photography
Drones have many more uses than just surveillance and war. They are probably the best invention in photography and videography allowing users to take quality aerial shots. Holy drone are best know for photography.
9. Kites were used before drones
You would ask, ‘what did photographers use to capture aerial shots before the invention of UAVs?’ Good question. Before then, kites were used.
10. They are used to record events
Since they are easier to move from one place to another, drones are more effective at recording events such as sports and concerts. Some drones have a follow me feature that can be operated using a smartphone or a smartwatch to help record each moment with ease. With Potensic GPS FPV RC Drone you can get amazing recording
11. Israel and the US are the largest manufacturers of drones
The two are the world’s largest manufacturers of drones. The US is not just the largest manufacturer but also, they make the most use out of drones.
12. Drones have taken lives
Although they have been of so much help in surveillance and fighting terrorism, they have also claimed lives. Most people killed by drones are children. The U.S. President Obama released statistics of drone use in 2016, stating that since 2009, 473 strikes had killed between 2,372 and 2,581 combatants.
13. They are used to gather evidence
Police use drones to track criminals and gather evidence to convict them. They are a great tool to help fight crime in developed countries.
14. Muhammed Atef was the first to die from a drone attack
The first drone killing happened in November 2001 when a drone killed Muhammed Atel who was an Al Qaeda commander and was considered one of Osama bin Laden’s deputy
15. Osama bin Laden was the first terrorist to be targeted by drone
However, the mission to kill Osama with drones failed but he would be killed later in 2011 by the US special forces.
16. Drones crash
Just like any other machine, drones are subject to damage and accidents. In fact, not every drone will accomplish its mission. Some crash on the way.
17. You need skills to operate a drone
In as much as it may seem like something that anyone can operate, experience and skills are very necessary.
18. Drones are becoming more popular
Earlier on, drones were only used by the military but are now more popular even among children. Of course, children drones are toys that are harmless. Even in the developing countries, drones are used in weddings and other events for photography.
19. Drones could be the next big thing in delivery services
Some companies are still trialing to see if they can improve their delivery services using drones. It’s possible that the next time you order pizza, a drone will deliver it right at your doorstep. Of course, this might take time but eventually, tech experts believe it will happen.
20. There are rules involved
You can’t just buy a drone and start using it anyhow. There are rules and regulatory bodies that govern the use of drones. They are different in each country and you should first to seek to know if using drones is allowed in your country. Especially if the drone is for commercial purposes, ensure you talk to the relevant bodies to avoid being in the wrong side of the law. Read drone FAA regulations here.
Common myths about drones
We have looked at the facts already. Now, let’s have a look at some of the misconceptions people have regarding drone:
1. Drones can only stay in the air for a short time
This is a big misconception. Although most drones are limited by their battery power, there are drones that can stay in the air for hours.
2. You need no skills to fly a drone
Experience is really important when it comes to flying and controlling the drone. So drop this myth ASAP.
3. Only the military use drones
Big white lie. Drones have so many uses besides surveillance and combat. Farmers can use them and even photographers use them to record events.
4. Drones are armed and dangerous
Most people imagine drones as dangerous machines that spy on people and attack them. However, drones are used for so many things besides war. For instance, you don’t expect a drone that is delivering food, medication or one that is surveilling a farm to be armed.
5. UAVs operations are free and uncontrolled
If you just thought that you will buy a drone and start using it immediately, that’s not how it works. The civil aviation authority of each country has the rules and regulations to be followed to ensure their airspace is safe.
Conclusion
We hope that the above interesting facts about drones left you an informed person. And, that you are no longer going to hold on to mere myths about UAVs that people believe in.
Now, as you have noticed, there are very different types of drones for different purposes. If one of your dreams is to own a UAV, you will want to ensure that you only get the one that suits your purposes.
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