The question of who invented the first drone is more complex than it seems. Unlike airplanes or automobiles, drones—or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)—evolved gradually through military experiments, visionary inventors, and technological breakthroughs. What we recognize today as a drone, especially consumer quadcopters like the DJI Mini 4 Pro, bears little resemblance to the early prototypes. Yet, tracing their origins reveals a fascinating journey from rudimentary radio-controlled flying bombs to sophisticated machines equipped with GPS, gimbal cameras, and AI follow modes.
Drones emerged from the need for unmanned flight in warfare, reconnaissance, and experimentation. The term “drone” itself derives from the low hum of early radio-controlled aircraft, mimicking a bee’s buzz. While no single inventor claims the title, several pioneers laid the groundwork. This article explores the key milestones, from pre-aviation concepts to the modern era of FPV drones and racing drones.
Early Concepts: Visions of Unmanned Flight
The idea of drones predates powered flight. In the late 19th century, inventors dreamed of machines that could fly without human pilots, driven by both curiosity and military potential.
Nikola Tesla’s Remote-Controlled Pioneers
Often called the father of modern electricity, Nikola Tesla demonstrated one of the earliest remote-controlled devices in 1898. At Madison Square Garden, he showcased a radio-controlled boat guided by wireless signals. Though not airborne, this invention proved that machines could be operated remotely without physical connections. Tesla envisioned scaling this to aircraft, predicting “teleautomatons” for warfare. His work on radio waves laid essential foundations for later navigation systems and stabilization systems in drones.
Tesla’s demonstrations influenced subsequent inventors, highlighting the feasibility of unmanned control. By the early 1900s, as airplanes took to the skies, the push for drone-like vehicles intensified.
Archibald Low and the Aerial Target
British engineer Archibald Low, dubbed the “father of radio guidance,” is frequently credited with inventing the first true drone. In 1916, during World War I, Low developed the Aerial Target, a small monoplane equipped with a basic autopilot and radio control. Launched from a ramp, it was designed as an anti-aircraft target to train gunners without risking manned aircraft.
The Aerial Target flew short distances under radio guidance but crashed due to technical limitations. Despite its flaws, it marked the first powered, pilotless aircraft. Low’s innovations in gyroscopic control foreshadowed modern sensors and obstacle avoidance technologies.
Military Advancements: Drones in World Wars
World Wars I and II accelerated drone development, transforming experimental toys into strategic weapons. Militaries sought cheap, expendable alternatives to piloted planes for bombing, reconnaissance, and target practice.
The Kettering Bug: America’s First Pilotless Bomber
In 1918, the U.S. Army turned to aviation pioneer Charles Kettering, founder of Delco. His Kettering Bug was a groundbreaking unmanned aerial torpedo. Powered by a modified Liberty engine, it resembled a biplane with pre-set controls using aneroid barometers and clocks for navigation. Launched from rails, it could fly about 75 miles at 165 feet altitude before diving into targets.
Over 50 Bugs were built, but only a few test flights succeeded due to accuracy issues. The armistice ended the project, but it influenced future cruise missiles and demonstrated inertial guidance principles still used in autonomous flight systems.
World War II Radioplanes and Aphrodite Project
World War II saw mass production of target drones. Reginald Denny’s Radioplane OQ-2, built in Hollywood factories, trained thousands of anti-aircraft gunners. Over 15,000 units were produced, with actress Norma Jeane (later Marilyn Monroe) riveting parts.
The U.S. Navy’s Project Aphrodite repurposed worn-out bombers like the B-17 Flying Fortress into radio-controlled bombs. Pilots would take off, arm the autopilot, and bail out. Results were mixed, with crashes due to signal interference, but it pioneered standoff attacks.
Germany’s V-1 Buzz Bomb, a pulsejet-powered cruise missile, terrorized London. Over 30,000 were launched, proving unmanned weapons’ destructive potential despite rudimentary guidance.
Post-War Evolution: From Targets to Versatile UAVs
After 1945, Cold War tensions fueled drone R&D. The U.S. Ryan Firebee entered service in the 1950s as a reconnaissance UAV, recoverable via parachute. Israel’s IAI Scout in the 1970s introduced tactical battlefield drones, shifting focus from one-way missiles to reusable platforms.
Consumer applications emerged in the 1980s with hobbyist radio-controlled models. Gyroscopes improved stability, paving the way for micro drones. The 1990s brought digital video feeds, enabling FPV systems.
Modern Drones: Quadcopters and Consumer Boom
The 21st century democratized drones, thanks to Chinese manufacturer DJI. Their 2006 release of the DJI Phantom series combined affordable quadcopters with GPS and stabilized cameras, igniting the consumer market. Models like the DJI Mavic introduced foldable designs, 4K cameras, and optical zoom.
Advancements in LiDAR and thermal imaging expanded uses to mapping, agriculture, and filmmaking. Aerial filmmaking techniques like cinematic shots and flight paths rely on gimbals and apps. Accessories such as high-capacity batteries, controllers, and propellers enhance performance.
Racing drones and FPV freestyle push limits with custom frames and GoPro Hero cameras. Innovations like remote sensing integrate AI for object tracking.
The Future of Drones: Beyond the First Flight
No one person invented the first drone; it was a collective evolution. From Tesla’s boats to Low’s Aerial Target and Kettering’s Bug, each step built toward today’s ecosystem. As regulations evolve and beyond visual line of sight operations advance, drones will integrate into urban air mobility and delivery.
Exploring drone history underscores their rapid progress. Whether you’re piloting a Parrot Anafi for photography or a custom racer, you’re part of a legacy spanning over a century. Dive deeper into drone accessories, flight technology, and creative techniques on our site to master the skies.