When was the drone invented: the story of an invention
At Allumee, specialist in drone shows, we see the drone as a tool for artistic creation. However, the history of the drone is marked by much less festive beginnings. This is why we invite you today to discover the fascinating evolution of this technology. The invention of the drone, from its utilitarian origins to its current role as an instrument of entertainment and wonder.
Who invented the first drone?
THE origins of the drone are closely related to the military needs from the beginning of the 20th century. One of the first pioneers of this technology is Achibald Low, engineer British often referred to as "father of the drone". Low has developed a machine capable of flying without a human pilot, controlled remotely by means of radio waves. The "Aerial Target" was intended to serve as a flying target for training gunners.
To UNITED STATES, Elmer Ambrose Sperry and his son Lawrence Sperry have played a crucial role in the innovation of drones. With the inventor Peter Cooper Hewitt, they developed devices for automatic stabilization for aircraft, altitude and distance calculation systems. The project “Hewitt-Sperry automatic airplane” aimed to create an unmanned aircraft capable of autonomous flight, but above all capable of carrying an explosive charge to a specific location.
In France, Max Boucher, a military pilot, is recognized for his significant contributions to development of unmanned aviation. He has carried out innovative tests. The ancestor of the drone had a wingspan of 15 meters, a length of 10 meters and weighed 500 kg… The first successful flight of some hundreds of meters reinforced Max Boucher in this path, the interest of which he had identified. His objective: to create a machine capable of reconnaissance missions without risking the lives of soldiers.
When was the drone invented?
THE first attempts drone creation took place during the First World War with prototypes developed as early as 1916 by Archibald Low in Great Britain. But it was in 1917 than in France, Max Boucher really sets the date drone invention, on July 2, 1917 to be exact. It is fly your “Voisin” plane without a pilot over 500 meters and 50 meters from the ground. The invention of the drone is done!
Historical context
The development of drones is intrinsically linked to military needs of the 20th century, marked by the two world wars. During the First World War, the warring nations sought ways to improve their capabilities reconnaissance of enemy terrain while minimizing risks for pilots. Collect essential information, carry out missions observation, reduce human losses. It is in this context of strategic requirements that the first drone experiments see the light of day.
What were drones used for at that time?
Used primarily for military purposes, their main role was in observation, there monitoring, there acknowledgement. Thanks to their ability to fly without a pilot, drones could fly over dangerous areas And transmit vital information on enemy positions. Over time, drones have evolved to fulfill other still military functions, such as the missile guidance. We will see, later in the article, that its functions then became more oriented towards leisure.
The evolution of invention through the ages
1960s-1970s
Drones are becoming more sophisticated thanks to advances in the field electronics and of communication. They are then used for the extended surveillance, espionage and the information collection. Applications remain primarily focused on the defense, drones becoming a tactical component essential. Strategy always!
1980s-1990s
The evolution of computer technologies and reduced production costs make drones accessible for of new uses. In addition to military reconnaissance missions, drones are beginning to be used for security missions. research and of rescue, of environmental monitoring and for the aerial photography. A new vision of the field!
2000s and beyond
The advent of sophisticated drones and now more affordable, transforms their use in the civil world. They become essential tools for the aerial shots, used by photographers, filmmakers, but also the civil surveillance during demonstrations for example. At the same time, drones are finding their place in various fields such as infrastructure inspection, there environmental monitoring and particularly forest fires and even the parcel delivery or of drugs in some inaccessible areas. A more peaceful use!
And today?
Today, drones are no longer the preserve of the military. They are become versatile tools, accessible to a wide audience. They have also established themselves as a popular leisure for individuals, certainly with very basic technology. However, their use is strictly regulated by specific regulations.
Drones today enable more creative projects. And Allumee creatively exploits all the artistic potential drones for develop light shows. These shows feature hundreds of synchronized drones and require a careful preparation. You will find on our site the different types of animations possible just like the price of a drone show.
At Allumee, there are only military personnel left this organizational precision. Like stealth planes, our drones have become festive. We are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation to offer ever stronger shows, where art and technology for the greatest happiness of his spectators.
