Drones, sometimes referred to as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), have rapidly evolved into crucial assets in a variety of sectors, from the military and aerospace to filmmaking, agriculture, and transportation. They rely on a combination of hardware and software components to achieve a variety of tasks. They are equipped with rotors, sensors, wings, navigation systems, and gyroscopes. These robotic-looking aircraft are capable of carrying out tasks with more safety and efficiency.

Drones these days are equipped with features, such as cameras for data collection and propellers for flight stabilization, and can operate either under remote piloting or sophisticated autonomy with sensing and LiDAR technologies. Their adaptability may be seen in the many levels of autonomy they possess, which enable them to perform a range of activities, from simple deliveries to intelligence gathering and meteorological research at distances up to 400 miles and heights of 3,000 feet. Drones have proven they can tackle some of the most difficult tasks in the world, from hurricane disaster relief to emergency monitoring, and scientific investigations. They have also developed into a crucial tool for photographers and a fun hobby for enthusiasts, demonstrating their amazing adaptability to a variety of demands.

Drones also referred to as UAVs, are highly versatile aircraft that can operate via remote piloting or complete autonomy, utilizing a range of advanced technologies such as visual, auditory, gyroscopic, magnetic, and accelerometric sensors, cameras, flight controllers, and wings. With their extensive capabilities, drones are deployed across various sectors, including defense, aerospace, surveillance, mining, and agriculture, performing a multitude of tasks. These aerial vehicles can be categorized into three primary groups: based on their wing types, the range of operations they cover, and the type of payloads they carry. Such classification enables the efficient selection and deployment of drones for specific tasks, facilitating their widespread use in diverse industries and contributing to technological advancements and operational efficiency.

Based on their wing types and number of rotors, drones can be classified into 4 types, single-rotor, multi-rotor, fixed-wing, and fixed-wing hybrid drones.

Based on their ranges, drones can be majorly classified into very close range (up to 5 km), close range (up to 50km), short range (up to 150 km), mid-range (up to 650 km), and long-range (more than 650 km).

Based on the type of utility and payload, drones can be classified into 5 categories. These categories are:

1. Nano drones are mostly used by spies to collect information, they are very small in size and weigh less than 200 grams.
2. Microdrones are used for surveillance, monitoring, and by environmental and disaster agencies, they weigh less than 2kgs and are capable to carry out longer-range operations when compared to nano drones.
3. Small drones are mostly used for photography, videography and they weigh between 2-20 kgs.
4. Medium drones are heavier (less than 150 kg) and are used for professional applications and photographical purposes.
5. Large drones are of the size of a small aircraft, and they are used by militaries across the globe for reconnaissance and specialized military operations.