History of Drones
Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will be able to describe the history of drones, including their origins, and their development over time. They will be able to identify key events that have contributed to the evolution of drone technology and understand how drones have impacted fields such as military operations, civilian applications, and scientific research.
Opening: Begin by watching a four minute video about the history of drones and reading the below lesson material.
Discuss: Throughout this lesson, pause on certain timeline events and discuss what impacts the drone had at that time.
Once upon a time, drones didn’t exist. However, the concept of flying machines had always fascinated humans. In the 1800s, the first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was invented by Austrian soldiers who launched over 200 balloons armed with bombs during the Venice siege. The balloons were known as “aerial torpedoes.”
In the 1900s, as aviation technology developed, the concept of drones became more feasible. During World War I, both the Allies and the Germans experimented with remote-controlled aircraft for surveillance and bombing purposes. However, the technology was still too primitive to be effective.
It wasn’t until the 1960s that the true development of drones began. The United States developed the first successful unmanned aerial vehicle, the Ryan Model 147, which was used for reconnaissance purposes during the Vietnam War.
In the 1990s, the Predator drone was developed by the U.S. military for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The Predator was a game-changer, allowing the military to conduct aerial surveillance without risking human lives.
As the technology improved, drones became more widely used for a variety of purposes, from photography to agriculture. Today, drones are used by everyone from hobbyists to governments to deliver packages, gather data, and even provide humanitarian aid.
Additional Historical Drone Events:
1849: Austrian soldiers use unmanned balloons filled with explosives to attack Venice during the First Italian War of Independence.
1898: Tesla demonstrates a radio-controlled boat, considered by some to be the first unmanned vehicle.
1917: During World War I, the U.S. Navy develops the Kettering Bug, an unmanned aerial torpedo that can travel 50 miles and is guided by a gyroscope.
1935: Reginald Denny, a Hollywood actor and model airplane enthusiast, starts a company that sells model airplane kits.
1944: During World War II, the German military develops the V-1 flying bomb, an unmanned aircraft that could travel over 500 miles and carry a 2,200-pound warhead.
1959: The U.S. Navy starts developing the QH-50 DASH (Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter), the first unmanned aerial vehicle to be used in combat.
1962: The Ryan Model 147 is a drone developed by Ryan Aeronautical Company first flew in 1962 and was developed for reconnaissance purposes. It was notable for being the first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to be used in combat during the Vietnam War.
1995: The Predator drone, a remotely piloted vehicle, is first used in Bosnia by the U.S. Air Force.
2001: In the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the U.S. military dramatically increases its use of drones in combat.
2006: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues its first permit for a drone to be used in civilian airspace for monitoring wildlife in Alaska.
2016: The FAA issues rules for commercial drone use, making it easier for businesses to use drones in their operations.
In conclusion, drones have come a long way since their first inception as aerial torpedoes. From the early balloons to today’s sophisticated aircraft, the history of drones is a testament to human ingenuity and innovation.
Extension: Class discussion about how life would be different without drones.
For a more detailed look of the timeline of drones please visit https://dronesgator.com/the-history-of-drones/