The Complete Guide To... Drones

With drone technology evolving at a breakneck pace and a wide array of options hitting the market, there really hasn’t been a better time to take to the skies.

- Damien McFerran

Not so long ago, the idea of flying a drone through the air sounded like something you’d only find in a sci-fi novel. Rapid advances in technology over the past decade have created a market packed with options that cater for budding aviators of all skill levels. If you just want to capture long-distance selfies on your next sunny holiday, then there’s a drone for that. Perhaps you’re a pro-level photographer or filmmaker who wants to capture high-quality aerial stills and footage – drones make these things possible within a realistic budget, whereas a few years back you’d need to rent a helicopter as well as the equipment to achieve the same results. There’s even a thriving sub-set of drones aimed at people who value thrillseeking over anything else; drone racing is a burgeoning pastime which is supported by a wide selection of products and even professional leagues.

Drones – or ‘Unmanned Aerial Vehicles’ as they’re more formally known – have actually been around for a lot longer than you might assume. The term ‘drone’ was first used in relation to the Fairey Queen remote-controlled reconnaissance aircraft, of which three were built in the 1920s. The idea of unmanned aircraft was, of course, incredibly appealing to military and naval experts, because it meant human lives didn’t have to be at risk during dangerous missions. As drone technology and the materials used to build them have matured over the last few decades, the concept of miniature UAVs has become a reality. Along with this, there have been rapid improvements in things like flight control, power supply and drone construction – all which have culminated in the consumer-level drone market that we know today.

DRONE ORIGINS