pilotless aircraft

noun

1. an aircraft equipped for operation by radio or by robot control, without a human pilot aboard; drone.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pilotless aircraft¹

First recorded in 1940–45; pilot + -less

Example Sentences

Archer didn’t disclose details of the investments from Boeing, United and Ark. The company said it will save significant development costs by sourcing autonomy technology from Boeing’s Wisk, which is focused on pilotless aircraft.

From Seattle Times

Working at Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., he joined a group of engineers renowned for their imaginative work on pilotless aircraft and rocket technology.

From Washington Post

Unfortunately, it seems these are the last days of envelope-pushing men and women in naval aviation; pilotless aircraft are more reliable and they’re next.

From Washington Times

The planes were showcasing an experimental technology introduced in World War II. During the war, pilotless aircraft served as missiles, delivering a punch to hardened, well-defended targets.

From Washington Post

The announcement breaks a regulatory roadblock that had held up growth in pilotless aircraft technology in the U.S.

From Seattle Times