The question of when the first drone was invented often sparks debate among aviation enthusiasts, historians, and tech innovators. Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have evolved from rudimentary flying machines to sophisticated quadcopters equipped with GPS, obstacle avoidance sensors, and gimbal cameras. While modern drones like the DJI Mini 4 Pro dominate consumer markets for FPV racing and aerial filmmaking, their origins trace back over a century. This article explores the timeline, from early experiments to today’s autonomous flight systems, revealing that the “first drone” depends on how we define it.
Early Precursors: Balloons and Unmanned Experiments (19th Century)
The concept of unmanned flight predates powered aircraft. In the 1840s, Austrian inventor Franz von Uchatius developed explosive-laden balloons for military use against Venice, marking some of the earliest unmanned aerial attacks. These weren’t drones in the modern sense—no propulsion or remote control—but they laid groundwork for remote aerial operations.
By the late 19th century, advancements accelerated. In 1898, Croatian inventor Nikola Tesla demonstrated a radio-controlled boat at Madison Square Garden, proving wireless control was feasible. This technology soon applied to aircraft. During the same era, Britain’s Royal Navy experimented with Austrian balloons fitted with cameras for reconnaissance, foreshadowing today’s thermal imaging and mapping capabilities.
World War I catalyzed innovation. In 1916, Britain’s Aerial Target was a small, radio-controlled biplane intended as a target drone, though it never saw combat. These precursors lacked autonomy but introduced key ideas like wireless guidance, influencing later stabilization systems.
The Dawn of Powered Drones: The Kettering Bug (1918)
Often hailed as the first true drone, the Kettering Bug emerged in 1918 from the U.S. Army’s Signal Corps, led by Charles Kettering. This pilotless biplane weighed 225 pounds, carried a 180-pound warhead, and flew at 75 mph using a rudimentary autopilot based on aneroid barometers and gyroscopes—early precursors to modern sensors.
Launched from a rail, the Bug was preset to fly 75 miles before diving into targets. Only one test flight succeeded fully, but it proved powered, unmanned flight was possible. Though production halted after World War I armistice, the Kettering Bug influenced interwar designs, blending propulsion with basic navigation akin to today’s flight paths.
World War II: Target Drones and Mass Production
World War II saw drones proliferate as affordable training targets. The Radioplane OQ-2, invented by Reginald Denny in 1935 and refined by 1941, became the most produced aircraft in U.S. history—over 15,000 units. Powered by a 75-hp engine, it flew at 105 mph and was remotely controlled via radio, with actress Norma Jeane (later Marilyn Monroe) assembling some during her wartime factory job.
The OQ-2’s success stemmed from simple plywood construction and pole-cat controls, saving manned fighters for combat. Germany’s V-1 buzz bomb, a pulse-jet powered cruise missile first launched in 1944, blurred lines between drone and weapon, using gyroscopic guidance for 150-mile ranges.
Post-war, the U.S. refined these into the Ryan Firebee in 1951, a jet-powered reconnaissance UAV recoverable by parachute. Over 6,000 were built, incorporating early photo-recon cameras—echoing today’s 4K cameras and optical zoom.
Key WWII Drone Milestones
- 1940: De Havilland DH.82B Queen Bee, a radio-controlled Tiger Moth variant used for anti-aircraft training.
- 1943: U.S. Interstate BQ-4, a converted bomber for assault missions.
- 1944: Germany’s Fritz X guided bomb, though not a full UAV.
These drones emphasized disposability and remote operation, paving the way for Cold War surveillance.
Cold War to Modern UAVs: From Reconnaissance to Autonomy
The 1950s-1970s focused on high-altitude reconnaissance. The Ryan Firebee evolved into supersonic variants, while Israel’s IAI Scout in 1970 introduced tactical battlefield UAVs with real-time video.
A pivotal figure, Abraham Karem, dubbed the “drone father,” developed the Amber in the 1980s, leading to the MQ-1 Predator in 1994. This piston-engine UAV flew 25+ hours with satellite links, Hellfire missiles, and electro-optical sensors, revolutionizing warfare in the Gulf War and beyond.
Consumer drones emerged later. In 2006, Parrot released the AR.Drone, a quadcopter controlled via smartphone—bridging military tech to hobbyists. DJI’s 2013 Phantom series popularized stabilized gimbal cameras and GPS return-to-home, fueling racing drones and micro drones.
Today’s Drones: Innovation in Flight and Imaging
Modern drones integrate AI follow mode, quadcopters, and accessories like high-capacity batteries, propellers, and controllers. The DJI Mavic series exemplifies foldable designs with 4K video, while FPV systems enable immersive racing.
Evolution Table: From Bug to Beyond
| Era | Key Drone | Features | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1918 | Kettering Bug | Autopilot, preset range | First powered UAV |
| 1941 | Radioplane OQ-2 | Radio control, mass-produced | Training revolution |
| 1951 | Ryan Firebee | Jet power, photo-recon | Cold War surveillance |
| 1994 | MQ-1 Predator | Satellite link, armed | Persistent ISR |
| 2013 | DJI Phantom | GPS, camera gimbal | Consumer boom |
Technologies like LiDAR for mapping and GoPro Hero mounts enhance cinematic shots. Regulations now govern commercial use, from FAA Part 107 to privacy concerns.
Defining the First Drone: A Matter of Perspective
So, when was the first drone invented? If we mean powered, unmanned, remotely guided aircraft, the Kettering Bug in 1918 claims the title. For production-scale, the Radioplane OQ-2 of 1941. Modern enthusiasts might point to quadcopters post-2010.
Drones continue evolving with remote sensing and apps for creative techniques. Whether for aerial filmmaking or innovation, their history underscores human ingenuity in conquering the skies without a pilot.