Drones- The History of Unmanned Flying Machines

      After researching drones, I learned a lot about the history, invention, legal and ethical implications, and some positive and negative effects. To begin with, the first drones were very simple balloons that barely got off the ground. These early drones were called UAV's (unmanned aerial vehicles). In 1782, drones were invented in France by the Montgolfier Brothers. Their names were Joseph Michel (1740-1810) and Jacques Etienne (1745-1799) and they were both French. They were preparing for human balloon flights, and they decided to test them without risking human life. Then, in 1862, the first flying machine was patented to hold bombs, and was operated by remote control. It was used in wars for the next 150 years to scatter propaganda, drop bombs, perform surveillance and combat missions. Cameras were finally added to drones in 1896. A fun fact is that they are named "drones" because their sound does not increase or decrease, it just "drones on". Clearly, drones have been very popular because of their many positive impacts that they have. Interestingly, drones can monitor climate and environmental changes, which reduces the need for military personnel in war zones, keeping them safe. Secondly, they are used for aerial footage by film studios and realtors, making it a much less expensive way for them to photograph and video tape from the sky. Drones even can deliver online orders to your doorsteps, including life-saving prescriptions. In cities, they help reduce crime and protect citizens by monitoring people from above. To continue, drones help track poachers in Africa who are hunting rhinos, elephants, and tigers legally. Lastly, undersea drones help the navy and environmentalists track information. Other than the positive impacts on drones, they are also popular because they are used for exploration, recreation, and drone racing. 2014 drones began to be used by consumers as toys, resembling small remote-control airplanes. The interest in drones is currently at an all-time high, as there are inexpensive options, can connect to smartphone devices, and are used for special effects at events and celebrations, such as Lady Gaga's 2017 Superbowl Show. 

    Although there are tons of positive impacts on drones, there are also some possible risks and negative impacts. For instance, they can fly too close to commercial aircrafts, they are expensive for the government to manufacture, and could make biological warfare too easy. To continue, some legal implications may that people are wondering who controls the aircraft? What laws can be passed to help protect citizens, and who enforces them? What happens if there are accidents? On the other hand, some ethical implications are that drones could be used to record people's movements and personal conversations. Their technology allows specific targeting to kill people, removing the human aspect. I often have been wondering: What will happen if every single person owns a drone and there are thousands, and thousands in the sky?

    Below is a picture of the very first unmanned balloon that was invented by the Montgolfier brothers. Below it, is a photograph of an American Flag with drone swarm and LED lights.