UNSC drones

Since its invention in the 20th century, drones have become an integral part of warfare, and this is no different with the UNSC. The proliferation of artificial intelligence has lead the offloading of menial tasks such as logistics to 'dumb AI', and to the extremes, 'smart AI' are capable managing entire starships.

Not all drone craft are AI controlled however, in fact most drones in use with the UNSC still use a human operator. 'Dumb' drones are generally not trusted with high level tasks such as eliminating targets and require the authority from an individual.

Broadly speaking, the UNSC classifies its drones into two categories:


 * Autonomous Drone, or 'smart drone'. Further subdivided into UAVs and unmanned fighter craft, smart drones are generally much larger and significantly more expensive than dumb drones. Autonomous drones have much greater intelligence and authority and used for tasks such as: long range and deep space reconnaissance, close air-support, combat air patrol against light aircraft (such as helicopters and VTOLs), and as spy craft.
 * Slave Drone, or 'dumb drone'. While they are called 'slave drones' as they are operated by a human controller, most if not all of these are capable of a small degree of automation. In the event that drone loses contact with the operator, the drone is capable of flying itself to safety, even detecting threats and making basic decisions on how to save itself.

Autonomous Drones

 * DS-32 Hurlbat — a drone strikecraft primarily armed with missiles. Commonly known as a missile bus and considered little more than a glorified missile in itself.
 * DS-49 Katar — a space-based compact attack drone relying more on numbers and maneuverability than heavy weaponry.
 * DS-56 Mako — a strike drone replacing the Hurlbat.
 * DF-99 Wombat — an atmospheric combat and reconnaissance drone fielded by the Aerospace Force and various planetary defense forces.
 * DR-104 Clarion — a tube-launchable, signature suppressed spy drone capable of space flight.

Slave Drones

 * DR-12 — Also known as the 'RQ-XII' before the UNSC's redesignation of its aero-spacecraft. The DR-12 is a space recon drone, similiar to the DR-104 which replaced it.
 * DR-66 — a small, modular disk shaped drone with widespread use. Some functions achieved with its modularity is explosive ordinance detection and disposal (ARGUS module). DR-88s are expendable like most of its type, but are more on the expensive side.
 * DR-84 'Buzz' — a cheap, bi-rotor infantry drone used by the UNSC Army. DR-101s are not expected to survive more than a dozen flights against a near-peer opponent. The 101's modularity allows it to be used in recon, surveillance, target designation and even light close-air support, as its capable of carrying micro missiles and grenades. It is unofficially known as the 'Buzz' drone.
 * DE-85 Aegis — a specialty drone meant to assist vehicle crews with spotting and designation of targets. An inventive modification of Aegis was attaching the vehicles Active Protection System to the drone itself to cover arcs not normally protected.