Difference between UAV and Drone

The terms UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and drone are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences between them:

1. UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle):

A UAV refers specifically to an aircraft that operates without a human pilot onboard. It can be controlled remotely or autonomously.

UAVs are typically used for a wide range of professional, military, or commercial purposes, such as surveillance, mapping, or monitoring wildlife.

It is a technical term primarily used in aviation and defense.

2. Drone:

Drone is a more general, colloquial term that refers to any unmanned aircraft or vehicle, including those that are UAVs, but also extends to other unmanned vehicles like underwater drones or ground vehicles.

In everyday language, a drone often refers to small consumer-grade UAVs, like those used for recreational flying or photography.

In short, all drones can be considered UAVs, but not all UAVs are commonly called drones, especially in more formal or technical contexts.