Since 2001 drones have been a common place in the military. The video above gives an overview of the military drones facts and how they are used. Drones are becoming more and more popular not only with the military but also with civilian life as well. This documentary goes into the drone technology being used in the military today. This video says there are 10,000+ military drones in operation today. Traditional fighter jets are becoming dinosaurs with the advancements in military drone technology.
Top 10 Military Drones
Here is a list of some of the top military drones in the world.
- Northrop Grumman X-47B
- Dassault Neuron
- Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk
- General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper
- Phantom Eye
- Orion – Russian Drone
- Watchkeeper WK450
- SAAB Skeldar V-200
- RQ-21 Blackjack
- Schiebel Camcopter S-100
Types of Military Drones
Military drones come in all shapes and sizes and can be used for surveillance or deadly killing machines. Drones are more efficient to run, lighter weight and safer to use being that there is no pilot to protect. Drones can stay up in the air for 24 hours+ making them a very effective surveillance tool.
There are some drones so small they are disguised as insects. Other drones can easily fit inside a soldiers backpack. The Raven is one of these drones and in this video it states that it is the mostly widely used spy drone in the world. Then there is the deadly predator drone that has flown thousands of missions. The giant global hawk can stay in the air for hours and is a valuable surveillance tool. Military drones are essential for keeping troops safe that are on the ground. A drone can scout out potential danger and report back instantly.
Military Drones War Facts
Military drones have been so effective that are rapidly replacing fighter jets. It has been said that drones will probably take up a 3rd of the military air force in the next decade. Drones can simply do things a traditional fighter pilot can not. Military drones can fly longer, pull more G’s and be more precise when taking out a target.
The MQ-1 Predator has changed warfare as we know it and we are just getting started. We are still in the very early stages of drone technology. The potential is mind blowing. The predator is very light weight compared to a traditional fighter jet and it burns very little fuel. The Predator is propeller driven and cruises at a speed of only 84 miles per hour. It was designed for efficiency and endurance. A typical fighter plan can only fly for about two hours before it needs to be refueled. The Predator flies about 5 miles high in an air space that is less contested with. It can stay up in the air for hours. With no pilot the drone is much simpler design compared to a manned aircraft.