Expanding uses of unmanned electric aircraft

The 'Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Electric UAVs 2014-2024' report from IDTechEx details what will be achieved in the next decade, as well as the enabling technologies that will make it possible. The report also covers current and planned uses for the drones. Google and Amazon are separately looking at using them for postal delivery, while DHL plan a pilot project to deliver medications by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to the North Sea island of Juist.

Drones are also flying over the ancient Greek city of Aphrodisias in Turkey, being used to identify and map archaeological sites by heat differences. The cameras' 3D images are savings months of work by permitting computer reconstruction. Some UAVs are used to gather information permitting targeted application of fungicides, insecticides and fertilisers around farms, reducing use of these chemicals by up to 90% (even in greenhouses).

There are also many applications for drones in the entertainment industry: Disney has recently filed three patents for UAVs used in controlled and choreographed aerial displays to mimic fireworks. Currently, commercial use of UAVs is banned in most of the USA. however, the FAA is considering changes and has approved the use of an UAV by BP in Alaska.

Looking forward, the unmanned electric aircraft are expected to be able to stay in the air using just solar power for more than five years. Larger versions are also planned which will operate at higher altitudes for surveillance, relaying communications and permitting ubiquitous internet access. Undoubtedly, there will also be numerous military uses.