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.