The term “drone” usually refers to any unpiloted aircraft. Sometimes referred to as “Unmanned Aerial Vehicles" (UAVs), these crafts can carry out an impressive range of tasks, ranging from military operations to package delivery. Drones can be as large as an aircraft or as small as the palm of your hand.


For a device to be considered a drone, it must not weigh more than 20kg (before fuel is added), including any additional attachments.

Originally utilised for military and space purposes, drones have found their way into consumer markets. Now available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, the purposes for which drones can be used is continually expanding.

Quadcopters are a popular model, particularly within consumer markets. These models consist of four propellers, two of which rotate in a clockwise direction, whilst the other two rotate anti-clockwise, fulfilling Newton's third law of physics.


Commercial drones Commercial drones within the UK have seen exponential growth. In 2010, there were five commercial permissions for operation in place, in 2018 this number grew to 4,530. Commercial operating permissions must be obtained if a drone is to be used outside the restricted limits of recreational use which are: Flying the drone in a manner that is safe The drone must constantly be within direct sight The drone must not endanger any person or thing. This includes any articles that may be dropped from the drone. Drone flight must not exceed 400ft high Drones must not fly within a 5km Flight Restriction Zone of any protected aerodrome


Military drones:

The military application of drones dates back to 1849 when Austrian forces floated approximately 200 balloons each containing a bomb to Venice.

Today, UK military drones have been used for a variety of applications including:

*Base perimeter protection and local area reconnaissance

*IED detection


Military drones The military application of drones dates back to 1849 when Austrian forces floated approximately 200 balloons each containing a bomb to Venice. Today, UK military drones have been used for a variety of applications including: Base perimeter protection and local area reconnaissance IED detection


Commercial drones:

Commercial drones within the UK have seen exponential growth. In 2010, there were five commercial permissions for operation in place, in 2018 this number grew to 4,530.

Commercial operating permissions must be obtained if a drone is to be used outside the restricted limits of recreational use which are:

*Flying the drone in a manner that is safe

*The drone must constantly be within direct sight

*The drone must not endanger any person or thing. This includes any articles that may be dropped from the drone.

*Drone flight must not exceed 400ft high

*Drones must not fly within a 5km Flight Restriction Zone of any protected aerodrome.