Aircrafts that are "intelligent and that will make their own decisions on what to do" (CNN). For as of right now, the drones are controlled by specialized trained pilots. As drone warfare is becoming a large part of the militaries, the U.S. is already recruiting drone pilots from young men that are skilled at video games (BBC). When they fly the actual drone, it will be just like playing a video game, except your decisions actually matter. In the year of 2014, the U.S. Air Force says that they will train more drone pilots than they will fighter and bomber pilots combined (Future NPR). Gamers are being chosen as drone pilots because all it takes to fly a drone is two joysticks, a few buttons, and a video screen (Weapons, Gear, and Uniforms). Students start in a simulator bay which is a small room filled with computer processors and monitors. This is where the students first come in contact with a drone controller (Future NPR). As the trainees learn how to control their "game " drones, they are given a simulation assignment. The trainee pilots sit on the left and the sensor operator or the person who watches the trainee sits on the right. The instructor loads images of Afghanistan and gives the pilot his goal. Usually where they have to provide an escort for Humvees (Future NPR). Once the pilot has mastered the simulation, he or she is moved to ground control stations out on the tarmac. From these units, the student pilot takes the Predators and Reapers out for a test run (Future NPR). The U.S. has more than 7,000 UAVs apart of the military. Which include drones such as the Workhorse, the Predator, the Reaper, the Raven, and the Shadow (CNN rev.). The drones differ in size, shape, whether they are armed or not, and if they can be launched by hand or from base. .
Drones can be launched from either tactical or strategic platforms. Drones nowadays are capable of being fitted with high tech specialized equipment.
