Drones: A Photo History

We think of drones as a modern invention, but they've been part of warfare for longer than you think. Here's a look at the evolution of drones and the way they've changed how war works.

FEBRUARY 27, 2012

1935: DH.82B Queen Bee

Until 1935, UAVs could not return to their original launching point, so they couldn't be reused. With the invention of the Queen Bee, drones could return to their senders, making them significantly more practical. Peaking at 17,000 feet and traveling a 100 mph maximum, Queen Bees were used in the British Royal Navy and Air Force until 1947.

San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives/Flickr