An Animated History of the Drone | Mashable

Summary

This video delves into the history and evolution of drones, from their military origins in World War I to their current use in surveillance and targeted killings. It explores the ethical and legal complexities surrounding drone strikes, which have been linked to civilian casualties. The video also touches on the civilian applications of drones, including package delivery and internet provision, highlighting the dual nature of this technology as both a tool for innovation and a source of controversy.

Takeaways

• 🤖 Drones have various uses, including surveillance, delivery, and military operations.
• 🔍 The US military operates a significant number of drones in multiple countries.
• ⏳ The Federal Aviation Administration predicts a substantial increase in commercial drones in the US by 2018.
• 💥 Drones are associated with air strikes targeting terrorist groups, primarily guided by the CIA's targeted killing program.
• 📈 The number of drone strikes and casualties is difficult to determine due to limited information and varying reports.
• 🌍 Article 24 of the UN Charter protects state sovereignty, which is challenged by drone strikes in sovereign territories.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Drones offer the ability to conduct surveillance and targeted killings without direct military presence.
• 🛸 The use of drones in civilian applications is growing, including package delivery and real estate promotion.
• 🏢 Many US government agencies, from the FBI to local police departments, have been approved to operate drones.
• 📉 Despite privacy concerns and legislation to limit drone use, public approval for drone strikes overseas remains relatively high.

Q & A

What are some of the different perceptions of drones mentioned in the script?

Some perceive drones as surveillance tools, others as innovative devices for product delivery, and yet others view them as lethal weapons hiding in the sky.

How many small commercial drones does the Federal Aviation Administration predict will be present in the United States by 2018?

The FAA predicts that there will be approximately 7,500 small commercial drones present in the United States by 2018.

What is the reported number of drone strikes organized by the CIA in Pakistan between 2004 and 2014?

The Bureau of Investigative Journalism reports that the CIA organized close to 400 drone strikes in Pakistan between 2004 and 2014.

What was the first real introduction of aircraft into military service?

The first real introduction of aircraft into military service was during World War I.

What was the United States' first remote-controlled aircraft called?

The United States' first remote-controlled aircraft was called the Radioplane OQ-2, also known as the 'drone'.

Who worked at a California plant assembling the OQ-2 during World War II?

Norma Jeane Mortenson, who later became better known as Marilyn Monroe, worked at a California plant assembling the OQ-2.

What was the name of the medium-sized reconnaissance drone developed as a joint US-Israeli project in 1986?

The medium-sized reconnaissance drone developed as a joint US-Israeli project in 1986 was called the RQ-2 Pioneer.

When was the first generation of the Predator drone born?

The first generation of the Predator drone was born six months after the Pentagon signed a contract with General Atomics on January 7th, 1994.

What was the CIA's justification for targeting American citizen Anwar al-Awlaki with a drone strike?

The US Department of Justice insisted that Anwar al-Awlaki, who was working for al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, posed imminent threats to the United States, justifying the targeting.

What are some of the civilian uses of drones mentioned in the script?

Some civilian uses of drones include package delivery, real estate promotional videos, recreational flights, anti-poaching rescue missions in Africa, and medicine delivery.

How many government agencies in the United States have been approved for limited rights to operate unmanned aircraft in domestic spaces according to the Federal Aviation Administration?

According to the FAA, over 934 government agencies in the United States have been approved for limited rights to operate unmanned aircraft in domestic spaces.

What is the significance of the Authorization for Use of Military Force in relation to drone strikes?

The Authorization for Use of Military Force is a law passed by Congress after 9/11, which provides legal grounds for the CIA to launch targeted killing campaigns, including drone strikes, against those deemed perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks.

Outlines

00:00

🔎 The Evolution and Controversy of Drones

This paragraph delves into the multifaceted nature of drones, exploring their roles as surveillance tools, delivery devices, and military weapons. It discusses the US military's extensive use of drones in over a dozen countries and the FAA's prediction of a significant increase in commercial drone presence by 2018. The narrative traces the history of drones back to World War I, highlighting significant milestones such as the development of aerial torpedoes, the use of aerial imagery in WWI, and the production of the first remote-controlled aircraft during WWII. The paragraph also touches on the CIA's use of drones for targeted killings, particularly in Pakistan, and the ethical and legal complexities surrounding these operations.

05:02

🌐 The Broadening Impact of Drone Technology

The second paragraph examines the expanding use of drones beyond military applications, with mentions of Amazon's proposal for package delivery, real estate promotional videos, and recreational flights. It also discusses the potential for drones in anti-poaching, rescue missions, and medicine delivery. The paragraph addresses the legal and ethical debates surrounding drone usage, particularly in the context of civilian casualties and the targeting of US citizens involved with terrorist organizations. It notes the increasing regulation of drone use by government agencies in the US and the public's mixed views on drone strikes, concluding with a contemplation of the future prevalence and societal implications of drones.

Keywords

💡Drone

A drone, also known as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), is a type of aircraft that is piloted remotely or through autonomous flight systems. In the context of the video, drones are discussed in various capacities, from surveillance tools to delivery devices and military weapons. The script mentions the evolution of drones from early military uses to modern applications, highlighting their controversial role in targeted killings and surveillance.

💡Surveillance

Surveillance refers to the act of monitoring or observing, often secretly or from a distance. In the video, surveillance is a key function of drones, particularly in military contexts where they are used to watch over areas and gather intelligence. The script discusses how drones have been used for surveillance in various countries, raising questions about privacy and the ethical implications of such practices.

💡Targeted Killing Program

The term 'targeted killing program' refers to a policy or strategy where specific individuals are identified and killed, often by military or intelligence agencies. The video script mentions the CIA's use of drones in targeted killing programs, particularly in Pakistan, which has been a contentious issue due to the potential for civilian casualties and the violation of national sovereignty.

💡Sovereignty

Sovereignty is the full right and power of a governing body to govern itself without any interference from outside sources. The video script discusses how drone strikes in sovereign states like Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia have raised questions about the legality and ethics of such actions, as they may infringe upon the principle of sovereignty as outlined in the United Nations Charter.

💡Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, or UAVs, are aircraft without a human pilot aboard, navigating instead through pre-programmed flight plans, remote control, or autonomous systems. The script traces the history of UAVs, from early attempts during World War I to modern-day drones used for various purposes, including military operations and commercial deliveries.

💡Aerial Torpedoes

Aerial torpedoes refer to early forms of drones that were essentially small biplanes designed to be flown into targets, similar to kamikaze missions. The video script mentions the US Army's work on aerial torpedoes during World War I, indicating the long-standing interest in unmanned flight for military purposes.

💡Remote Controlled Aircraft

Remote controlled aircraft are vehicles that are operated from a distance using a control system. The video script discusses the development of the first remote-controlled aircraft, the Radioplane OQ-2, during World War II, which was a precursor to modern drones and highlights the progression of technology in this field.

💡Reconnaissance

Reconnaissance is the act of gathering information about an area or enemy forces, typically through observation. In the video, reconnaissance is a primary function of military drones, which are used to collect data and imagery for strategic planning and operations. The script mentions the development of reconnaissance drones like the RQ-2 Pioneer and their impact on military strategy.

💡Predator Drone

The Predator drone is a medium-sized, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle that was first used in the 1990s. The video script details the development of the Predator, from its initial design to its deployment in Afghanistan, and its subsequent arming with missiles. The Predator has become emblematic of modern drone warfare and the associated ethical debates.

💡Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF)

The Authorization for Use of Military Force is a law passed by the U.S. Congress that grants the President and the military the authority to use force in response to terrorist attacks. The video script references AUMF as the legal basis for targeted killing campaigns using drones, which have been used to pursue individuals deemed responsible for the 9/11 attacks.

💡Civilian Casualties

Civilian casualties refer to non-combatant individuals who are killed or injured during military operations. The video script discusses the issue of civilian casualties resulting from drone strikes, which has been a significant point of contention in the debate over the use of drones in warfare. The script cites the Bureau of Investigative Journalism's estimates of civilian deaths in Pakistan due to drone strikes.

Highlights

Drones have various perceptions, from surveillance tools to delivery devices and even as lethal weapons.

The US military operates hundreds of drones over multiple countries.

By 2018, it was predicted that around 7,500 commercial drones would be in use in the US alone.

Drones have become associated with air strikes targeting terrorist groups, largely guided by the CIA's targeted killing program.

Between 2004 and 2014, the CIA organized nearly 400 drone strikes in Pakistan, resulting in over 3,000 deaths.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) use a system of sensors, akin to remote-controlled vehicles but with a much longer range.

The origin of drones is complex, with early forms appearing in World War I.

Aerial imagery was first used for military operations during World War I, leading to new strategies in warfare.

The US produced the first remote-controlled aircraft, the OQ-2, during World War II, with notable figures like Marilyn Monroe contributing to its assembly.

Unmanned surveillance operations played a significant role throughout the Cold War and in global conflicts.

Israel developed early UAVs like the Mastiff and Scout after the Yom Kippur War.

The US and Israel collaborated to produce the RQ-2 Pioneer, a medium-sized reconnaissance drone.

The Predator drone was developed in the early 1990s, initially for surveillance and later armed with Hellfire missiles.

The Predator's first flight over Afghanistan was in 2000, searching for Osama Bin Laden.

Post-9/11, the CIA initiated a targeted killing campaign using armed drones against those linked to the attacks.

Drone strikes in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia have raised questions about sovereignty and the legality of such actions.

The exact number of casualties from drone strikes is difficult to determine due to limited information.

Drones offer the ability to remotely monitor areas for extended periods, making them ideal for hunting terrorists hiding among civilians.

Civilian casualties are a significant concern with drone strikes, with reports of hundreds of non-combatant deaths.

The killing of a US citizen by a drone in Yemen sparked debates about the ethics and legality of targeting citizens.

Drones have expanded beyond military use, with applications in package delivery, real estate, and recreational flights.

The FAA reports that numerous US government agencies have been approved to operate drones domestically.

There is a growing public debate about the use of drones, with legislation being introduced to limit their use by government agencies.

Drones are becoming an integral part of society, with potential future applications in areas like medicine delivery and internet provision.

Transcripts

[Music]

what exactly is a drone some will tell

you a drone is a surveillance tool meant

to watch over a nation others might say

it's an Innovative Gizmo for delivering

products even more probably will'll tell

you a drone is a lethal ghost hiding in

the sky the United States military

currently has hundreds of unarmed and

armed drones flying over more than a

dozen countries by 2018 the Federal

Aviation Administration predicts some

7,500 small commercial drones Dr will be

present in the United States alone in

the past decade drones have become

synonymous with air strikes aimed at

eliminating terrorist groups overseas

guided largely by the Central

Intelligence agency's targeted killing

program the Bureau of investigative

journalism reports that between 2004 and

2014 the CIA organized close to 400

drone strikes in Pakistan killing more

than 3,000 people and those are just the

strikes we know about it's no wonder

these machines have captured the

Curiosity and Fe year of the world over

but where did these Phantoms of the sky

come from to find out we'll need to look

back almost 100

years drones or unmanned aerial Vehicles

work through a system of sensors think

of it as a basic remote controlled

vehicle only with much longer range the

exact origin of the Drone is tricky to

pin down World War I saw the first real

introduction of aircraft into military

service though things like like balloons

and kites had been used for decades

before toward the end of World War I the

US Army was working on what it called

aerial Torpedoes small biplanes like the

kering bug that would essentially work

as kamakazi drones but the war ended

before they could be used in 1915 in the

early months of the battle of Nova

Chapelle in France British Armed Forces

used aerial imagery to capture more than

1500 Sky View maps of the German trench

fortifications in the region this

ushered in a brand new era of using

aerial imagery for complex coordinated

operations Ling for the first time ever

artillery on the ground were able to

carry out barges with Advanced knowledge

of the enemy infantry thanks to Aerial

mapping this system continued to develop

throughout the war and 1939 in the very

early stages of World War II the United

States produced the first remote

controlled aircraft called the radio

plane oq2 normae doy before she became

better known as Marilyn Monroe worked at

a California plant assembling oq2 during

the war unmanned surveillance operations

continued playing more prominent roles

throughout the Cold War and Global

conflicts in general in 1973 after the

yam kapo War Israel developed the

Mastiff UAV and soon after the II Scout

again both unpiloted surveillance

machines in 1986 a joint us Israeli

project produced The rq2 Pioneer a

medium-sized reconnaissance drone around

the same time a Abraham Kum an Israeli

expert engineer who' spent years working

for the II developed a similar prototype

called the NAT 750 in his garage outside

Los Angeles American defense contractor

General tomx bought carm's design in

1990 fast forward a few years to the

early stages of the Bosnian War and the

CIA purchased two Nat 750s for $5

million to deploy and surveillance

operations over Bosnia on January 7th

1994 the Pentagon signed a contract with

General Thomas had tasked the company

with redesigning the NAT 750 a deal to

make it bigger sturdier quieter more

Dynamic 6 months later the first

generation of the predator drone was

born the Predator was first flown over

Afghanistan in the fall of 2000 when an

Air Force Team flew one for the CIA in a

hunt for Osama Bin

Laden at the time it was only armed with

surveillance cameras on December 21st

2000 the US Air Force received Pentagon

approval to armed the Predator with

Hellfire missiles less than a year

before the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New

York City in the immediate aftermath of

9/11 the CIA launched the targeted

killing campaign essentially an approval

list from the Pentagon to kill whomever

they deemed perpetrators of the 9/11

attacks this is legal because of what's

called an authorization for use of

military force a law Congress passed in

the wake of 9/11 enter the strikes as

the remnants of the terror group Al

qaeda's lead leadership fled out of

Afghanistan and into Pakistan and Yemen

both Sovereign territories the newly

armed drones soon

followed quietly and here's where things

really started to get messy article 24

of the charter of the United Nations

protects the sovereignty of member

states meaning they should be free from

military incursions during times of

Peace but the Obama Administration

argued the man hunts were permissible

because the intended targets all

affiliated with al- Qaeda in one form or

another posed an imminent threat of

attacks on us soil or us interests

abroad both the CIA and pentagon have

been relatively quiet about who and

where they strike the Bureau of

investigative journalism reports that

the CIA initiated close to 400 drone

strikes in Pakistan since 2004 while the

Pentagon executed between 66 and 184 in

Yemen plus 20 more in Somalia but really

given the limited information on strikes

it's difficult to pin down an exact

number of casualties

why use drones to kill why now think

about it as if you're cracking a code in

traditional Warfare enemies were easily

identified by their uniforms or

activities post 911 terrorist groups

like Al Qaeda and related insurgencies

instead hide in plain sight living

modestly amongst civilians and using

homes as their command centers the

sneakiness of drones makes it possible

for someone near Las Vegas to remotely

watch over a suspected area in say

Pakistan for months at a time sifting

through the hay stack to find the hiding

needle from an entire ocean away but

that just leads to things getting even

Messier as with traditional strikes

civilians can also get caught up in the

crossfire from drones The Bureau reports

957 civilians have been killed by drone

strikes in Pakistan since

2004 200 of them

children but again exact numbers are

tough to nail down on September 30th

2011 the CIA killed anoir alaki a US

citizen living in Yemen who'd been

working for al- Qaeda in the Arabian

Peninsula a radical militant group some

law Scholars and journalists criticized

the Obama Administration for targeting

an American citizen but the US

Department of Justice insisted alaki had

for years posed imminent threats to the

United States the ethics and laws of it

all are still largely a very gray

area in

2014 Amazon proposed using drones much

smaller and and simpler than those in

the military to deliver packages to

customers real estate agencies have

begun using drones for promotional

videos and a burst of small DIY

organizations have started creating

their own smaller scale machines for

recreational flights others have used

drones for anti- poaching rescue

missions in Africa medicine delivery via

drones is still in its testing phase and

even Facebook is building huge solar

powered drones to fly at 50,000 ft and

beam internet into remote areas of the

world the Federal Aviation

Administration reports more than 934

government agencies in the United States

from the FBI to Customs and Border

control to small police departments in

Minnesota have been approved for limited

rights to operate unmanned aircraft in

domestic spaces Chris Anderson a former

editor at wired who left the magazine to

run 3D robotics a drone kit company put

it best we are entering the Drone

age there's been blowback as of May 2014

35 stat stes in the US have introduced

legislation to limit the use of drones

by government agencies to date 12 have

adopted this legislation ironically the

recent polls show that more than half of

Americans approve the use of drone

strikes

overseas understandably the overall

approval is much lower if the Drone age

is indeed here what can we expect in the

next year 2 years five if recent Trends

are any indication we might as well get

used to seeing them and and having them

see us

[Music]

[Music]