The IndUS Network e-magazine

 

'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.

 

Hope you had fun !


 

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