Page "Unmanned aerial vehicle" Paragraph 45

Early UAVs used during the Vietnam War after launch captured video that was recorded to film or tape on the aircraft.

These aircraft often were launched and flew either in a straight line or in preset circles collecting video until they ran out of fuel and landed.

After landing, the film was recovered for analysis.

Because of the simple nature of these aircraft, they were often called drones.

As new radio control systems became available, UAVs were often remote controlled and the term " remotely piloted vehicle " came into vogue.

Today's UAVs often combine remote control and computerized automation.

More sophisticated versions may have built-in control and / or guidance systems to perform low-level human pilot duties such as speed and flight-path stabilization, and simple scripted navigation functions such as waypoint following.

In news and other discussions, often the term " drone " is still mistakenly used to refer to these more sophisticated aircraft.