A drone is an aircraft operated remotely or autonomously, typically by a pilot or a computer program. 

Some drones are larger and more complex. Today, drones almost always mean the small and lightweight consumer variety. 

Also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones have been used for various purposes for centuries. The concept of a drone can be traced back to the 1849 Austro-Sardinian War, when balloons filled with explosives were used to attack enemy fortifications.

In the 21st century, drones have expanded from military use, increasingly popular for civilian use in photography and videography, delivery services, agriculture, and search and rescue operations. 

MILITARY USE

Surveillance and reconnaissance

Surveillance and reconnaissance drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are employed for military activities, border patrol, and environmental monitoring.

These drones have sensors and cameras to gather real-time photos and data.

According to the ADF’s 2020-2021 Defence Industry Policy Statement, the use of drones has “significantly enhanced” the ADF’s ability to gather intelligence and conduct surveillance operations. In particular, the ADF’s drone fleet has played a crucial role in supporting military operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria.

In addition to their use in military operations, drones have also been used by the ADF for a range of other purposes, including search and rescue missions, disaster response, and border protection.

Target acquisition and missile guidance

Target acquisition drones locate and monitor military or police targets. High-resolution cameras and sensors allow them to recognize and classify items.

Missile guidance drones have powerful navigation and guidance systems to track and follow a missile’s trajectory to its target.

Search and rescue operations

Drones are increasingly used in search and rescue operations due to their ability to quickly and easily access difficult or hard-to-reach areas. According to a study by the International Association of Fire Chiefs, drones have already helped to reduce response times by up to 50%.

They are equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors that can help locate missing persons or assess the damage caused by natural disasters.

COMMERCIAL USE

Photography and Videography

Photography drones are small, remotely-operated aircraft with high-quality cameras that capture birds-eye views of landscapes, events, and other subjects.

Similar to photography drones, videography drones capture video. They generally have stabilisers, gimbals, and HD cameras for smooth video quality.

Photography and videography drones fall under the commercial category because they are being used to produce content sold or used for marketing purposes. Commercial drones use requires a different set of regulations and licensing compared to personal or recreational use.

Package delivery

Advanced navigation and sensing systems allow package delivery drones to fly autonomously and deliver packages to remote or hard-to-reach locations. 

Express parcel deliveries using drones offer the biggest promise for per-delivery cost savings ($205 to $340 million in 2040), followed by food and pathology.

Agriculture and forestry mapping

Agriculture and forestry mapping drones map agricultural and forestry zones. These drones are equipped with strong sensors and imaging technologies that take high-resolution photos and topography data.

Drones equipped with sensors and cameras can help farmers assess crop health, identify pests and diseases, and optimise irrigation and fertilisation. In 2019, the agricultural drone market was valued at $1.2 billion and is expected to reach $4.8 billion by 2024.

Infrastructure inspection

Infrastructure inspection drones inspect bridges, electrical lines, pipelines, and roadways. They help locate and assess damage, as well as monitor and track repair and maintenance activities.

Drones have had a substantial impact on numerous areas, particularly infrastructure, in recent years. In 20 years, the technology may enhance Australia’s GDP by $14.5 billion and provide 5,500 full-time employment annually.

Mining and oil exploration

Mining and oil industry drones collect data and conduct duties. They can map mines, examine equipment, and monitor oil and gas resources, among other things.

These drones can operate in tough and distant places, making them useful for mining and oil corporations.

RECREATIONAL USE

Racing and competitions

Racing drones are miniature UAVs built for high-speed competition. They’re lightweight and agile, with powerful engines and a sleek design for speed.

In racing events, pilots utilise competition drones to dodge hazards and complete the course quickly. These drones have GPS tracking, on-board cameras, and obstacle avoidance technology to help pilots navigate difficult courses.

Exploration and adventure

Exploration and adventure drones are built for tough terrain. These drones are equipped with powerful sensors, cameras, and GPS technology to map, survey, and communicate real-time photos and video to the operator.

Search-and-rescue, geological mapping, wildlife tracking, and environmental monitoring are common uses. Outdoor enthusiasts and explorers use adventure drones to shoot aerial footage and explore remote areas.

CONTROVERSIES

There have been several controversies surrounding the use of drones. Some of the most prominent ones include:

Privacy: There have been concerns that drones could be used to invade people’s privacy by flying over homes or other private property. This has led to calls for stricter regulations on the use of drones in certain areas.

Safety: There have been instances where drones have crashed or malfunctioned, causing injuries or property damage. This has raised concerns about the safety of drones and their potential to cause accidents.

The most common type of incident reported to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) was drones flying too close to aircraft, helicopters, or other manned aircraft, which accounted for 38% of all incidents.

Military use: Some people have criticised the use of drones in military operations, arguing that they are being used to carry out targeted killings and other actions that violate international law.

Ethical concerns: There have been debates about the ethics of using drones for tasks such as delivering packages or conducting surveillance, as some argue that they could lead to job losses or increased surveillance of individuals.

National security: Some countries have expressed concerns that drones could be used by other countries to conduct espionage or other activities that could compromise their national security.

In 2020, CASA received a total of 1,045 drone incident reports, which is a slight decrease from the 1,070 incidents reported in 2019. In the same year, CASA issued a total of 54 enforcement notices, which can include fines, warnings, or other penalties for drone operators who violate aviation regulations.

CASA has also seized and confiscated drones in cases where operators were found to be flying in a dangerous or irresponsible manner.

Drones are versatile machines with many uses. They have huge growth and development potential in many industries. Precision farming, crop monitoring, and pesticide application are other possible uses of drones.

In construction, drones can be used for surveying, mapping, and inspection. Drones may also inspect oil pipelines. Offshore platforms can be used for package delivery, SAR, and traffic management.

The potential for drone use in these industries and more is vast and is sure to continue to grow and evolve as technology improves.