Exploring Drones

During World War II, in a top-secret mission called Operation Aphrodite, the U.S. military endeavored to create an unmanned aerial vehicle.

Early reports indicate this military operation largely involved a B-17 bomber equipped with TV cameras, parachutes, and explosives.

The plan was for the bomber pilot to take off, reach a designated altitude, and bail out, while a pilot in a second plane used remote controls to guide the highly explosive plane to its target.

This mission met with little success, including claiming the life of former President John F. Kennedy’s older brother, Joseph, a U.S. Navy lieutenant whose bomber exploded over the English Channel.

While unmanned aerial vehicles were only in their infancy during World War II, the efforts of the “greatest generation” helped lay the groundwork for today. Drones, or unmanned aircraft,2 have become an integral part of the U.S. military.

People around the world are buying drones online and using them to take aerial photos or videos. Businesses are integrating drones into their long-term strategies and considering potential uses, including the delivery of packages, spraying crops, and analyzing roof damage.

Congress and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are trying to keep up with the rapidly changing technology associated with drones and develop effective ways to regulate the growing industry.

This white paper provides information on drones, including drone technology and design, the potential uses for drones in various markets and industries, and ongoing federal efforts to regulate drones. The paper also gives an overview of the potential exposures and risks that the commercial use of drones may present to the insurance industry and global markets.