Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are aircraft with no on-board crew or passengers. They can be automated ‘drones’ or remotely piloted vehicles (RPVs). UAV’s can fly for long periods of time at a controlled level of speed and height and have a role in many aspects of aviation.

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The first pilotless vehicles were developed in Britain and the USA during the First World War. British’s Aerial Target, a small radio-controlled aircraft, was first tested in March 1917 while the American aerial torpedo known as the Kettering Bug first flew in October 1918. Although both showed promise in flight tests, neither were used operationally during the war.

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Drones now have many functions, ranging from monitoring climate change to carrying out search operations after natural disasters, photography, filming, and delivering goods. -- adapted from 'A brief history of drones'

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Aaron Zimmerman of Lafayette first became interested in drones when his son got a toy drone. Since then he has used drones at the engineering firm he works at and has started his own drone business specializing in agricultural uses, photographing events (like Hands-on Transportation!) and real estate. Check out his video to learn more!