Regardless of whether they are called drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), their popularity is increasing among consumers, military leaders and institutions around the world. In fact, analysts at market researcher Teal Group predict that global spending on UAVs will reach $14 billion by 2024.
Most people are familiar with the US military’s use of drones for surveillance and targeted bombing operations, as well as the general public’s interest in test-flying simple UAVs over their neighborhoods. Less well-known is the fact that a growing number of colleges allow their students to study, build and enter UAVs in competitions. Some schools even offer degrees specific to UAVs or unmanned aerial systems.