1. What is a drone?

1.1 Definition

Surprising as it may seem, the definition of "drones" is the subject of much debate, and even more so in the English-speaking world. These debates are sometimes superficial, but also reveal real technical issues. It's the latter that are important for the purposes of this article. First of all, here are a few authoritative definitions, which will help to focus the discussion:

• International Civil Aviation Organization: "Unmanned aircraft. Aircraft which is intended to operate with no pilot on board." (Drone. Aircraft which is intended to operate with no pilot on board.