FPV (First-person view) drones

Prelims : Current events of national and international importance

Why in news?

Ukraine targeted and destroyed more than 40 Russian aircraft stationed at 4 key air bases across Russian territory by FPV drone attack named Operation spider Web.

• First-person view means that a person piloting a drone can see what the drone sees, through a camera attached to its body.
• The live video can be seen through specialized goggles, or on smartphones and other kinds of screens, and the drone can be manoeuvred remotely.
• Such drones are also used in filming and other non-defence purposes.
• FPV drones have a much smaller range, of a few kilometres.
• One major challenge is that the drones’ movement through their surroundings cannot be seen by the drone operator.
• This can limit situational awareness and may lead to disorientation.
• At times, another person, a visual observer, may be needed to guide the person controlling the drone.
• Before FPV drones are deployed, a reconnaissance drone with a larger range first goes to survey the area and zero in on a specific region that needs to be targeted.
• Key advantages - Cost and deep strike capabilities while remaining largely undetected.

Reference

The Indian Express | FPV drones