'Drone'
Technology !
Myths, Facts and Future ...
'Drone'
Technology also known as Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) is
here to stay! How much you know about this evolving industry?
Take a quiz to learn the answers for the most commonly asked
questions on this technology.
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How many countries do you think possess drones?
a. Only US
b. 5 permanent members of UN Security council (US, UK, Russia,
France, China)
c. 5 permanent and 10 non-permanent members of UN Security
council
d. Probably many - around 70+ countries?
Answer: [d]
According to The New American foundation, more than
70+ countries have some type of drone. However, very few
possess armed drones. Iran, China, UK, US and Israel have
either claimed or used armed drones against adversaries!
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Drones are used for both surveillance and
strikes. CIA and Pentagon categorize the Strikes into 2
types - "Signature strike" and Personality Strike.
Guess the definition for the above two.
a."Signature Strike" - is based
on a person's documented signature.
b."Signature Strike" - is based on a known pattern.
c."Personality Strike" - is based on a person's
behavior (Personality)
d."Personality Strike" - is targetted on a specific
person also known as 'high value targets' (HVT)
Answer: [b] and [d]
"Signature Strike" is based on an observed
and known pattern. For example, a large part of the adult
male population carrying weapons in a pick-up truck in a
region subjected to continued terrorism. A "Personality
Strike" is targetted on a specfic individual who is
considered as a 'high value target' such as a leader of
a terrorist group. According to Washington post, most strikes
are now 'Signature Strikes' !
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Drone is also known as "Unmanned
Aerial Vehicles" as it flies without a pilot. As
drones are remotely operated It is also called as RPAs
or Remotely Piloted Aircraft. How many people do you
think will be employed for such advanced surveillance
and war techniques?
a. 1-10
b. 10-100
c. 100-1000
d. 1000-10000
e. 10000-50000
f. 50000-75000
Answer: [f]
US Air Force has around 60,000 to 70,000 people
working to process and analyze the data collected by
drones! After all, it is not unmanned as it touts!
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Are Drone susceptible for hijacking?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Yes and No
Answer: [c]
There are no reports of anyone hijacking a military
drone. However, under the direction of Homeland security,
university research students were funded to learn about
the susceptibility. As a part of the research, the students
were able to hijack the civilian drones and manipulate
the images returned by them! Also, the connections between
UAV and his operator can be easily broken by weather or
deliberate jamming as it uses the same frequency as a
cell phone.
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By 2020, UAVs are expected to hit sky in large
numbers. In anticipation, Universities are already offering
undergraduate degrees in "Unmanned Aircraft System
Operations". Guess the cost of this degree as of today.
a. 1000-20000
b. 5000-50000
c. 10000-60000
Answer: [c]
According to the latest reports, an undergraduate degree
in "Unmanned Aircraft System Operations" can cost
anywhere from 8000-60000 dollars.
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