THE EVOLUTION OF MILITARY DRONES

CURTISS N2C-2 FLEDGLING

In 1938, an unpiloted US Navy Curtiss N2C-2 Fledgling dive-bombed the battleship USS Utah. A human operator observed the N2C-2 from a distance and steered it using radio signals.

MQ-1 PREDATOR

In 2001, a Predator drone successfully launched a Hellfire anti-tank missile for the first time. Because they can stay aloft for 24 hours at a time, Predators have helped the US military search for, identify, track, and ultimately destroy targets.

SEA HUNTER

In 2019, Sea Hunter became the first sea drone to make the trip from California to Hawaii autonomously. Larger sea drones equipped with dozens of Mk 41 missile silos will soon sail alongside manned warships, increasing their firepower.