Domesticating the Drone: The Demilitarisation of Unmanned Aircraft for Civil Markets

Remotely piloted aviation systems (RPAS) or ‘drones’ are well known for their military applications, but could also be used for a range of non-military applications for state, industrial, commercial and recreational purposes. The technology is advanced and regulatory changes are underway which will allow their use in domestic airspace. As well as the functional and economic benefits of civilian RPAS (C-RPAS) sector, the potential benefits for the military (M-RPAS) sector are also recognised. A wide range of actors have nurtured this dual-use aspect of C-RPAS development, and celebrated militaristic visions of the technology. However, concerns have been raised about the public rejecting the technology because of their association M-RPAS and concerns about some potentially controversial applications, for example in policing and border control. In contrast with the enthusiasm for dual-use exhibited throughout the consultation process, the strategy for avoiding public rejection would downplay the connection between military and non-military RPAS and focus upon less controversial applications such as search and rescue. We reflect upon this contrast in the context of the European agenda of responsible research and innovation. In doing so, we do not rely upon critique of RPAS development per se, in their neither their civilian nor military guise, but explore the extent to which current strategies are compatible with a responsible and socially beneficial C-RPAS development.

BOUCHER Philip; 

2014-11-14

SPRINGER

JRC90367

1353-3452,   

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11948-014-9603-3,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC90367,   

10.1007/s11948-014-9603-3,