Wondering "what a drone?", Many almost certainly do know the answer.These devices are also known as drones, and were widely spread only recently.But it's worth to consider them in detail.
What is the drone?
If the technique is almost always possible to repair or replace the highly skilled and highly specialized human resources trudnovospolnimy.That is why humanity is so zealously industry moves forward, the results of which in the future can make people work more secure.An example is robotics, one of which was the brainchild of special multifunctional device.So, what is the drone?Typically known as a drone, controlled remotely, but there is also a broader understanding of the term.Drones do not necessarily fly, but their common feature is a focus on fulfillment of certain tasks without human intervention or with the minimal intervention.It is not surprising that the UAV was originally used only by the military.
history of the emergence and development of
author of the idea of remote-controlled devices has become, not surprisingly, Nikola Tesla.In 1899, he demonstrated a ship designed to operate it.His ideas continued in 1910, a young American, Charles Kettering, intends to develop an aircraft that could perform the work with the help of the movement.Unfortunately, we can say that he failed.
believed that the first UAV was developed in the UK for military purposes in 1933.For this restored biplane was used, however, of the three devices is only one successfully completed flight.In the future, the machine gradually improved, there were new ways to manage and monitor their activities.Research and development activity continued during the Second World War and after it.More or less successful results can be called the appearance of the famous "V-1" and "V-2".In the Soviet Union conducted a similar development.
addition to purely military purposes, UAVs have also been used to train future soldiers.But the arms race is not standing still, and the major powers continued to develop weapons that would hold back the enemy.At some point, even the Soviet Union became the leader in terms of production of the UAV.But then the United States pulled ahead, as the war with Vietnam losing its aircraft were too high - the drones came to the rescue.
Despite its initially military "nature", UAVs, and found its civilian purpose.In his new capacity, they got shorter and everyday name - drones, which has become even more widespread than the abbreviation.By the way, it is directly related to their work, because in English the drone - "Bumblebee" or the verb "buzz."Retraining also gave an additional impetus to their development, because civic radio-controlled drones have a lot of opportunities.But for every destination need its own characteristics, so that robotics was still not in place.So, it seems, the question of what the drone left.What are they?
Types
Usually drones vary in size and characteristics of the control.On the first criterion, there are 4 categories:
- Micro.Devices of this group weigh up to 10 kilograms.They are capable of continuous flight for an hour at an altitude of 1 kilometer.
- Mini.10-50 kg, height limitation - 3-5 kilometers, the duration of the flight - up to several hours.Lighter devices in this category can still relate to civil, then - no.
- average.Weight up to 1 ton, flight time - 10-12 hours, the maximum height - 9-10 kilometers.
- Heavy.Until the day in flight at an altitude of 20 kilometers.
The peculiarities of their functioning can be identified are:
- unmanaged;
- automatic;
- remotely controlled.
device types
Standard design UAV provides a satellite navigation receiver, as well as a gyroscope and an accelerometer.In addition, the device is required to have a programmable module.To write algorithms using high-level languages: C, C ++, Modula-2, Oberon SA or Ada95.
If you must also save and send some information to the operator, the design includes a memory module and a transmitter.Any other equipment is added, depending on the use.In controlled drones also available should the receiver and the transmitter commands telemetry data.
Appointment
purposes for which can be used a flying drone, a great many.In addition to the aforementioned military, they are engaged in aerial photography, monitoring security.Industries that have in their arsenal such devices, a large number of: agriculture, fisheries, forest protection, mapping, energy, geology, construction, media and so on. D. Already, developers are looking for ways how to ensure through drones delivery of various goods, to establish reliablecommunication with remote areas and thus reduce the cost of fuel and protect the environment.In short, the problems at the manufacturer pretty much as the demand for some of the features already have, and suggestions in response yet.So the potential is huge.
Photographing
should also be said about a new hobby, arisen due to the wide dissemination of the UAV.It is about taking pictures of angles, which previously was incredibly difficult to achieve.Flying drone with a miniature camera allows you to take a look at the familiar sights from a completely different point of view and see them in a new way.And the most successful staff regularly participate in special competitions under the auspices of the influential magazines, for example, National Geografic.
multicopter
There is a category of aircraft, which are often treated separately because of differences in the structure.In fact, drone quadrocopter not so different from ordinary UAVs, he has a greater number of screw systems - in this case four.It is this design has become the most popular among civilian drones.However, a major concern was to ensure the safety of their operations, as in a sudden discharge of the battery from a height of 0.5-1 km, even light enough machine may cause injury to people, so it is advisable not only to pass special courses on management of UAVs, but also to comply with special rules.
Interesting examples of UAV
Among devices with practical applications, there is a place toys and entertainment.So, a few years ago, a major manufacturer introduced Parrot drone drone, acting as a reliable alarm clock.Once it was time to wake up, he ran away or fly away from the host, and off it can be only caught that greatly complicates the task back to sleep.So that such a device can not only be useful but also entertain, despite what your imagination.
One Dutch artist, for example, had the idea to pay homage to his cat, who died under the wheels of the car, making the original quadrocopter.The animal wore during his lifetime named in honor of one of the Wright brothers, and after the death of his stuffed screws were attached, and the entire structure was presented to the public at one of the exhibitions of contemporary art in 2012.Reaction has been mixed, but the publicity the event generated wide.And if this drone quadrocopter a cat - probably not the best idea, it is always possible to come up with something of their own.
Availability
restrictions on the sale of civilian models do not exist, although the combat drone purchase, of course, not so easy to succeed, so that those who want to take photos and video from a height, familiar birds, watch the traffic situation or use still anythe function of these devices can perform it freely.Some enthusiasts prefer to make their own hands, especially if you have the appropriate knowledge.Construct a flying drone camera - not such a difficult task for craftsmen, in the extreme case it is always available, good, prices are quite democratic model - the average cost is around $ 300.There are cheaper patterns that can literally fit in the human hand.
Opponents
Despite the fact that the device category "UAV / drone" has become widespread recently, there was already a lot of people in favor of limiting or even ban these devices.They argue their position that the UAV, flooded the city, not only create extra noise, but also can produce photos and video through the windows of buildings, thereby invading privacy.While opponents are showing dissatisfaction mainly in the US, but serious talk about the laws governing the activities of drones is not conducted.However, demand creates supply - some manufacturers are already selling equipment that determine the availability of aircraft within a certain radius.The sensor device is distinguished by the nature of movement of birds and emits a special beep, well, how to deal with uninvited "guest" solves already the owner.
Manufacturers
If we talk about the category of "combat drone" is the world leader in this area, no doubt, will be Israel.He, of course, is a leading exporter, ranking, according to some estimates, about 40% of the international market.Countries with a large share of the defense industry, such as the US and Russia, conclude contracts with Israeli agencies for the joint development of devices.
Another major player in the market is Iran.According to experts, the recent development of local manufacturers are quite capable of competing with the products of Israel.A sufficient number of models for various purposes, and boasts the Argentine army.
development prospects
Combat drones future is not in doubt - in any case they will be used.As for civilian devices, prospects are even more curious.According to public information collected by organizations of the European Union, in 2020 consumer demand for UAVs will be distributed by industry as follows: 45% will come from state agencies, 25% - a fireman, 13% - agriculture and forestry, 10% takes energy, 6% - an overviewthe earth's surface, and the remaining 1% - communications and broadcasting.
But now many design offices think about how to be arranged shipping drones.It should be sufficient to solve a large number of problems: the problem with sufficient capacity and battery life to the issue of environmentally friendly recycling.But in general this area of robotics is more than promising.
In Russia In Russia, the development of the old Soviet times were legitimate for one reason or another have been lost, so that in fact the industry had to develop anew.In 2009, a contract was signed with the Israeli company for the purchase of the UAV, but it was later decided to develop their own drones Russia.For this purpose the Ministry of Defense has allocated 5 billion rubles, but the investment has not brought the desired results - the devices simply do not stand the test program.
In 2010 the company "Transas" won the tender for R & D of UAVs, especially since she already had experience of such developments.Further developments relating to the success of development - to a certain degree of classified information.In 2012, it became aware of the successful completion of the test model named "Orlan-10."After participating in several exercises the sample received high ratings and good reviews of the military, but this device is only intended for short-range, so that the development is conducted in several directions to Russian drones could also get a shock appointment and successfully to protect the border against potential threats.
in 2014 had to pass tests of medium-range UAV, as well as prototypes take-off weight of 10 to 20 tons.Also, the audience was shown reconnaissance complex "Finder", which received a number of comments, but generally recognized as very promising.It was also reported on the production model, "Outpost" in one of the enterprises of the Russian Federation in conjunction with the Israel.
Despite all the problems, the industry has a good potential, but unfortunately, the Russian drones are unlikely to get in the near future "second wind" in the form of conversion to civilian profession.The largest producer of devices for the general population and there is not yet in sight.
