The Beginning
Early experiments that set the stage for unmanned flight and remote control concepts.
Module 1
UAV & Drone
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
A Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is an aircraft that operates without a human pilot onboard, controlled either remotely by an operator or autonomously using onboard computers, sensors, and navigation systems. A UAV is a part of a larger system called the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), which includes the vehicle, ground control station, communication link, and supporting equipment.
DRONE
A Drone (Dynamic Remotely Operated Navigation Equipment) is a broader term referring to any remotely operated or autonomous robotic system, including aerial, ground, and underwater vehicles. While all UAVs are drones, not all drones are UAVs. The term “drone” is commonly used for hobby and commercial quadcopters.
UAV Vs DRONE
| Comparison | UAV | Drone |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A specific type of aircraft that flies without a human pilot onboard. | A general term used for any remotely operated or autonomous robotic vehicle. |
| Scope | Refers ONLY to airborne vehicles. | Covers air, land, sea, underwater robots. |
| Usage Context | Used in military, aerospace, and engineering. | Commonly used in commercial, hobby, and public contexts. |
| Technicality | Formal, technical aviation term. | Simple, common public term. |
| Control Type | Autonomous, semi-autonomous, or remotely piloted. | Mainly remote-controlled; may also be autonomous. |
| Regulatory Use | Authorities use “UAV / UAS / RPAS”. | “Drone” rarely used in official regulations. |
Unmanned Aircaft Systems
An unmanned aircraft system (UAS), often called a drone system, is an integrated setup of an unpiloted aircraft (UAV), its sensors/payload, and a ground control station (GCS) for remote operation or autonomous flight, used for diverse tasks like surveillance, mapping, delivery, and agriculture, replacing risky or impossible human-piloted missions with precision, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced safety. The term UAS, adopted by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and FAA in 2005, highlights all system components—aircraft, ground control, data links, and support equipment. Similar terms include unmanned aircraft vehicle system (UAVS) and remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS).
History of UAVs — Horizontal Timeline
1.2 The Need for Effective Control
Development of reliable radio and control systems became foundational for UAVs.
1.3 The Radio and the Autopilot
Integration of radio guidance and early autopilot technologies enabled more complex missions.
1.4 Aerial Torpedo
Often cited as one of the first modern unmanned aircraft experiments — a key historical milestone.
1.5 The Target Drone
Target drones were used for weapons testing and gunnery practice.
1.6 WWII U.S. Navy Assault Drone
Early assault and expendable drones were fielded in limited roles during WWII.
1.7 WWII German V-1 Buzz Bomb
The V-1 was a pioneering cruise missile / pilotless aircraft used by Germany.
1.8 WWII German Mistletoe
Mistletoe (or similar programs) represented guided weapon experiments—part of wartime innovation.
1.9 Early Unmanned Reconnaissance Aircraft
Reconnaissance drones began to appear for surveillance and intelligence collection.
1.10 Radar Decoys
Decoys were used to spoof radar and protect manned assets — an important tactical application.
1.11 Long-Range Recon UAS
Long-range unmanned systems expanded strategic surveillance capabilities.
1.12 First Helicopter UAS
Vertical-lift unmanned systems emerged, enabling different mission profiles.
1.13 The Hunt for Autonomous Operation
Research pushed toward autonomy: path planning, sensors, and onboard decision-making.
1.14 Twin Boom Pushers
Twin-boom pusher designs became popular for some surveillance and endurance platforms.
1.15 Desert Storm
Operational use of UAVs grew markedly during the 1991 Gulf War — a turning point for adoption.
1.16 Overcoming Manned Pilot Bias
Operational trust and doctrine evolved to accept unmanned platforms in combat and routine roles.
1.17 Will UAS Replace Manned Aircraft?
Ongoing discussion on roles, ethics, and practical limits of unmanned vs. manned aviation.
Use left/right buttons or arrow keys to navigate the timeline.
History of Drones — Timeline
1783
Montgolfier brothers launch first unmanned hot-air balloon
First recorded unmanned flight using hot-air balloon technology in France — the seed of lighter-than-air experimentation.
1849
Austrian army uses explosive-laden balloons against Venice
Earliest recorded military use of unmanned aerial vehicles: incendiary/explosive balloons were deployed against Venice.
1898
Nikola Tesla demonstrates first radio-controlled boat
Tesla showed remote-control via radio — a key technology for later unmanned systems.
1917–1918
WWI: Kettering Bug & British Aerial Target tested
Early attempts at expendable aerial torpedoes and radio-guided target drones evaluated during the First World War.
1935
DH.82B Queen Bee target drone enters service
The name "drone" was popularized by the Royal Navy/RAF use of the Queen Bee as a remote target aircraft.
1940s
WWII: V-1 cruise missile & Radioplane target drones
Cruise missiles and mass-produced target drones demonstrated both offensive and training uses for unmanned systems.
1960s
Ryan Firebee in Vietnam
Thousands of Firebee drones used by the US for reconnaissance, showing operational utility at scale.
1970s–1980s
Israel pioneers advanced UAVs
Systems like the Scout advanced the use of UAVs for persistent battlefield surveillance.
1990s
Mini-UAVs & Predator (MQ-1)
Introduction of mini-UAVs (Raven, Puma) and the Predator — beginning of the armed-drone era.
1991
Gulf War: continuous UAV operations
At least one UAV was airborne at all times, demonstrating strategic reconnaissance value.
2000s
Predators used in Afghanistan & Iraq
Operational use of armed and surveillance UAVs expanded significantly in combat theatres.
2006
FAA issues first commercial drone authorizations (US)
Regulatory frameworks begin to allow commercial operations — a milestone for industry growth.
2010s
DJI Phantom & consumer quadcopters
Affordable quadcopters like the DJI Phantom democratized drone use for consumers and small businesses.
2020s
Drone shows, AI integration & delivery pilots
Drones expand into entertainment, logistics trials, and AI-enhanced autonomy — alongside legal and ethical debates.
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Drone Rules in India
Drone Rules
The Ministry of Civil Aviation vide gazette notification CG-DL-E-26082021-229221 dated August 25, 2021 published the Drone Rules and vide gazette notification CG-DL-E26012022-232917 dated January 26, 2022 published the Certification Scheme for Unmanned Aircraft Systems. In view of its traditional strengths in innovation, information technology, frugal engineering and huge domestic demand, India has the potential to be global drone hub by 2030.
Features of Drone Rules
•Digital sky platform being developed as a user-friendly online single-window system. There will be minimal human interface and most permissions will be self-generated
•Interactive drone airspace map with red and yellow zones shall be displayed.
• No permission required for operating drones in green zones.
• Yellow zone, where ATC permission is required, has been reduced from 45 km to 12 km from the airport perimeter.
• No remote pilot licence required for micro drones (for non-commercial use) and nano drones.
• No requirement of Type Certificate, unique identification number and remote pilot licence by R and D entities operating drones in own or rented premises, located in a green zone.
• Import of drones to be regulated by DGFT.
• Requirement of import clearance from DGCA abolished.
• No security clearance required before issuance of any registration or license.
• Coverage of drones under drone rules, 2021 increased from 300 kg to 500 kg. This will cover drone taxis also.
• DGCA shall prescribe drone training requirements, oversee drone schools and provide pilot licences online.
• No restriction on foreign ownership in Indian drone companies.
Remote pilot licence to be issued by DGCA within 15 days of pilot receiving the remote pilot certificate from an authorised drone school through the digital sky platform.
• Testing of drones for issuance of Type Certificate to be carried out by Quality Council of India or authorised testing entities.
• Drones present in India on or before 30 Nov 2021 will be issued a unique identification number through the digital sky platform provided, they have a DAN (Device Acknowledgment Number), a GST-paid invoice and are part of the list of DGCA-approved drones.
• Standard operating procedures (SOP) and training procedure manuals (TPM) will be prescribed by DGCA on the digital sky platform for self-monitoring by users. No approvals required unless there is a significant departure from the prescribed procedures.
• Safety and security features like ‘No Permission – No Takeoff’ (NPNT), realtime tracking beacon, geo-fencing etc. to be notified in future. A six-month lead time will be provided to the industry for compliance.
• Maximum penalty for violations reduced to INR One lakh. It was several lakhs earlier.
• Drone corridors will be developed for cargo deliveries.
• Drone promotion council to be set up by government with participation from academia, start-ups and other stakeholders to facilitate a growth-oriented regulatory regime.
Classification of UAVs
| Category | Weight Range | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nano | ≤ 250 g | Can fly without permission in uncontrolled airspace. |
| Micro | 250 g – 2 kg | Requires online registration (UIN for drones >250 g). |
| Small | 2 – 25 kg | Requires UIN and operational permit. |
| Medium | 25 – 150 kg | Mandatory DGCA operational approval. |
| Large | >150 kg | Highly regulated, requires DGCA clearance, insurance, and compliance with airspace rules. |
Category of Zones
| Zone | Meaning | Permission Needed | Typical Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🟢 Green | Free-fly zone | No | Up to 400 ft |
| 🟡 Yellow | Controlled zone | Yes (ATC / Digital Sky) | Variable |
| 🔴 Red | No-fly zone | Special Govt. approval | Not allowed |
Airspace maps
Drone Technology Applications
Drone Technology
1. Radar positioning and returning home
2. Obstacle detection and collision avoidance technology
3. Drone movement patterns
4. Gyro stabilization, IMU, and flight controllers
5. Drone engine orientation and propeller design
6. GPS ready-to-Fly and No-Fly zone drone technology
7. Creating 3D maps and models
Applications of Drone
1. Agriculture: Precision Farming
2. Construction: Site Surveys and Inspections
3. Real Estate: Aerial Photography and Videography
4. Energy: Infrastructure Inspection
5. Public Safety: Search and Rescue Operations
6. Media and Entertainment: Film and Photography
7. Environmental Conservation: Wildlife Monitoring and Conservation
8. Logistics: Package Delivery
9. Surveying and Mapping: Geospatial Data Collection
10. Telecommunications: Network Infrastructure Maintenance
Applications of Drone vs Configurations
| Sector | Drone Roles in India | Typical Range | Typical Endurance | Typical Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Defence | Surveillance, ISRT, Combat, Loitering munitions | Medium–Long Range (25 km to >250 km) | 1–24 hours | 5,000–30,000 ft |
| Agriculture | Spraying, mapping, seed dropping | Short Range (1–5 km) | 10–45 minutes | 10–120 m AGL |
| Disaster Management | Search & rescue, emergency delivery | Short–Medium Range (2–15 km) | 20–90 minutes | 50–400 m AGL |
| Infrastructure | Mapping, inspection, construction monitoring | Short Range (1–5 km) | 20–40 minutes | 50–150 m AGL |
| Urban | Law enforcement, traffic control, delivery | Short–Medium Range (2–20 km) | 20–60 minutes | 50–200 m AGL |
| Environment & Wildlife | Wildlife tracking, pollution & forest monitoring | Short–Medium Range (2–25 km) | 30–120 minutes | 50–400 m AGL |
| Media & Entertainment | Aerial filming, drone light shows | Short Range (500 m – 3 km) | 10–25 minutes | 10–120 m AGL |
| Education & Research | UAV design, pilot training | Short Range (1–2 km) | 10–25 minutes | Up to 120 m AGL |
Present uses of commercial drones
| Domain | Share | Growth Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate / Aerial photography | 48% | Very strong, stable |
| State & local government | 28% | Rapidly expanding |
| Industrial inspection | 17% | Fast-growing, high-tech adoption |
| Insurance | 4% | Moderate but rising |
| Agriculture | 3% | Small but high future potential |
Applications of Drone in Market Size
Click a slice to see details
Introduction to UAV Technology by Dr Aishwarya Dhara