DRONE AND TARGET ENGAGEMENT METHODS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an attack drone. The invention particularly relates to a non-lethal anti-tank drone. The invention aims to disable enemy targets using an extremely cost-effective effector that can be integrated into various systems, such as a drone. The necessary "mission-abroad kill" is achieved with a saturation attack, which results in the barrel of the enemy target's main weapon, such as the weapon system of a main battle tank, being damaged or, preferably, completely destroyed during the drone's firing.

[0002] The level of protection offered by main battle tanks is constantly increasing. It is currently assumed that main battle tanks, especially with reactive modules such as "Malachite" or "Relikt," have armor equivalents of up to 1 meter of steel. Furthermore, active protection measures are being used more and more frequently. Given the large number of combat vehicles available with this level of protection, successfully combating such systems is becoming increasingly complex and difficult.

[0003] Currently deployed anti-tank systems, such as 105 / 120mm anti-tank weapons with conventional KE, HL, or HE ammunition or anti-tank missiles with HL warheads, guided and / or unguided, are not always capable of reliably and reliably disabling the enemy. Furthermore, these systems are large, heavy, and expensive. Systems such as anti-tank guided missiles or rocket-propelled grenades have at least one warhead as an effector, which requires explosives for detonation. The use of explosives requires security systems to ensure and guarantee safe handling during storage, transport, and deployment.

[0004] US Pat. No. 9,939,239 B1 discloses a grenade containing multiple stacked projectiles that employ tri- or quad-copter guide vanes to guide themselves toward a target. Such projectiles may have algorithms programmed into their autopilot or control systems to operate as leader-followers, or real-time camera systems that transmit images back to a user. Each projectile has its own guidance, navigation, and control components, autopilots, cameras, transmitters, receivers, antennas, power sources, sensors, detonators, and / or flexible circuits. The projectiles can be pre-programmed to attack a single target or multiple targets. The projectiles may contain payloads such as flares, smoke devices, fragments, airburst generation devices, warheads, suspended surveillance / reconnaissance devices, illumination devices, blasts, and shaped charge payloads.

[0005] The unpublished WO 2019 / 046911 A1 discloses an unmanned vehicle that is fired and capable of carrying a payload. The payload can contain at least one explosive, an incendiary agent, a smoke charge, an incapacitating agent, and an illumination composition. Lethal and non-lethal payloads can also be supported. Two or more unmanned vehicles can be configured with a swarm feature, allowing two or more unmanned vehicles to be grouped together toward the target autonomously or through manual operator input via a ground station. This means that the operator can steer the unmanned vehicle toward the target or target area autonomously or through manual input via the ground station.A swarm can be thought of as a self-organizing network of unmanned vehicles, where each unmanned vehicle is aware of the movement of others, allowing them to cluster together or move en masse toward the target. The swarm can converge on different targets, splitting into numerous smaller groups of unmanned vehicles for specific attacks. The groups can regroup to further engage other targets or rest on the battlefield where they can be reactivated.

[0006] WO 2018 / 063076 A1 discloses a drone having a payload carrier with a releasable holding means for deploying a payload in the form of a grenade. CN 107 554 771 A discloses a drone for deploying landmines, wherein a hole is drilled into the ground with a drill, a mine is placed in the hole, and the hole is sealed with a funnel filled with sand. CN 105 314 102 A discloses a drone with a mechanical arm attached to the underside with actuatable jaws for gripping objects. CN 106 828 932 A discloses a drone for demining war zones, wherein mines can be detected by metal detectors on the drone and detonated by means of a detonator deployable by the drone. US 9,127,908 B2 discloses a drone that can operate in different modes and can detect a vehicle and detonate it with an explosive charge.RU 2 628 351 C1 discloses a drone designed as an anti-tank mine with an explosive charge. US 2018 / 0362157 A1 discloses a drone with a modular payload interface to which, for example, a thermite charge can be coupled as an effector. DE 10 2015 008 255 B4 discloses a defense drone for combating small drones, which has a device for dropping an effector on its underside. WO 2018 / 042692 A1 discloses a multicopter with robot arms attached to a central section, each having a hand at a free end formed from two hand sections that can be pivoted relative to one another. CN 105 014 687 A shows a multicopter with a robot arm consisting of a boom, an arm, and a holder or a hand. US 2018 / 257774 A1 discloses a drone with a body, to which a fastening mechanism is coupled, which consists of multi-segment handle arms, by means of which the drone can be used for purposes such ascan be attached to a section of a plant.

[0007] The invention aims to provide a cost-effective, explosive-free but effective attack system that at least renders an enemy target incapable of fighting.

[0008] The problem is solved by the features of patent claim 1 relating to the drone. Advantageous embodiments are listed in the subclaims. Furthermore, patent claims 6 and 7 each describe a method for engaging enemy targets.

[0009] The invention is based on the idea of ​​offering an attack system that incapacitates an enemy target by not using the target's armor as usual as the attack surface, but rather a weapon system of the target with at least one gun barrel, which is preferably designed as the main armament.

[0010] In implementing this idea, it is planned to use at least one drone capable of carrying at least one effector to disable the weapon system of the enemy target, e.g., a main battle tank. A drone is defined as any unmanned aerial vehicle that can move from one location to another remotely and / or autonomously. Quadrocopters, octocopters, and similar devices are considered drones.

[0011] Drones are diverse and well-known in practice. They are subject to specific tasks. These specific tasks, in turn, require a specific design of the individual drone. DE 10 2015 008 256 B4 describes a defense drone for defending against small drones, which includes a jammer for emitting a GNSS jamming signal. DE 10 2015 008 296 B4 describes another defense drone. This drone is capable of automatically controlling a small drone after the small drone has been recognized as such. DE 10 2015 008 255 B4 discloses a defense drone with at least one motor for driving at least one propeller and a fuselage connected to the motor. An effector and a device for releasing the effector are provided on the fuselage. The effector, in turn, includes threads intended to prevent another small drone from continuing its flight.The effector consists of a sheath enclosing the threads, as well as an ejection device and an activation device contained within the sheath. DE 10 2014 014 1 17 A1 describes a defense device for combating unmanned aerial vehicles.

[0012] The drone according to the invention is intended to function as an attack drone. It comprises at least one payload as an effector, which causes at least some damage in or to the weapon barrel of the weapon system, at the latest upon firing. A projectile to be fired can no longer be easily guided through the weapon barrel.

[0013] Payloads can generally be steel nails, glass fragments, etc. Shaped charges can also be used as payloads. The effector has a shell enclosing the payload.

[0014] The use of cutting charges and / or pyrotechnic charges is preferred for the claimed drone. The pyrotechnic charge should be capable of burning through or melting a weapon barrel, i.e., a steel tube with, if applicable, a protective sheath. According to the invention, the pyrotechnic charge for the claimed drone is a Termite charge. This generates molten steel.

[0015] In combination with steel nails, the pyrotechnic charge can, for example, weld a steel pile into the gun barrel. Magnetic Teflon-based charges can also be used. These two-stage charges, for example, first melt the gun barrel. The Termite charge then burns, forcing molten metal into the gun barrel.

[0016] The drone is trained to deliver the effector to / at the enemy target and deposit it there. The drone operates autonomously. In the case of autonomous operation, the drone can be precisely guided to the target, for example, to the gun barrel of an enemy weapon system. It is understood that remote operation of the drones is also possible. However, autonomous operation is preferred.

[0017] The drone typically has at least one propeller. Preferably, the drone has at least four propellers. However, alternative drone designs are possible and known. A motor drives the at least one propeller. A power source, such as a battery, can supply the energy required for the drone's operation.

[0018] The drone used is designed to be immune to jamming, spoofing, high-power microwaves, etc., so that such adversary measures are harmless to the drone. One such protective measure is shown in DE 20 2014 003 131 U1. The protective device is designed to protect a missile against radiation weapons.

[0019] In addition to a memory, each drone has at least one sensor system, consisting of at least one day-vision and / or night-vision camera and a preferably programmable friend / foe image recognition system. Furthermore, each drone should include an inertial system and / or GPS tracker to enable it to fly a predetermined route autonomously (independently). EP 2 071 353 A2 discloses such a system and method for autonomously tracking a flying object. The drone itself can be controlled using satellite-based navigation systems or waypoint navigation. Such navigation is known, for example, from US 2004 / 0193334 A1 and is applicable here.

[0020] In a first variant of the attack system, the drone searches, among other things, for the muzzle of a target's weapon barrel (coarse tracking). The search is supported by appropriate sensors, such as a daylight camera, on the respective drone. If the muzzle is detected, the drone flies toward the muzzle to insert the effector into the weapon barrel. The drone then preferably flies toward the target using fine tracking.

[0021] The individual drone has means that allow it to be placed in the weapon barrel or muzzle. In a preferred embodiment, these means are joints that can be pivoted such that an effector located between these joints is placed in the muzzle. The pivoting of the joints can be accomplished mechanically or electrically.

[0022] A payload, such as steel nails, glass fragments, etc., is now located in the muzzle of the tube. If the effector contains a pyrotechnic charge, placing it in the muzzle can be used to trigger the effector, ie to ignite the pyrotechnic charge.

[0023] Alternatively, a device not according to the invention can be provided for ejecting or deploying the effector. This device can itself be mechanical. Alternatively, a pyrotechnic charge of the device can drive the effector into the muzzle of the weapon barrel.

[0024] Another variant of the attack system consists in placing the effector on the weapon barrel. However, the invention prefers the option for the drone to cling to the weapon barrel together with the effector. As soon as the drone with the effector has attached itself to the enemy target, to or on the weapon barrel, the effector is triggered. Triggering can be initiated mechanically, for example by contact with the weapon barrel. However, pre-programming is also conceivable. At least one pyrotechnic charge is provided as an effector. This manages to burn through or melt the weapon barrel, i.e. the tubular steel with any protective covering. After igniting this pyrotechnic charge, the weapon barrel is thus at least welded open from the outside. As a result, the internal geometry of the weapon barrel is changed.

[0025] The effector in the muzzle or on the weapon barrel ensures that the bullet's passage is impaired, at the very latest when a shot is fired. The bullet can no longer be guided smoothly through the weapon barrel. This causes the barrel to at least tear open, or even tear apart. The target thus becomes unusable on the battlefield. The mission must be aborted.

[0026] To attack at least one target, multiple drones are preferably used. The drones therefore have at least one transmitting and receiving device, which also serves to communicate with each other.

[0027] The drone(s) are transported in a special container, preferably near the battlefield (target area). The container can contain a power generator, but this can also be carried separately. Furthermore, the container should be equipped with a programming unit. The drones carried in the container can themselves be programmed via the programming unit.

[0028] Preferably, the drone(s) do not have landing gear. This has the advantage that the drone(s) can be housed in racks within the container. These can be transported close to a target area.

[0029] In addition, the absence of a landing gear on the drone creates space for the means for placing the effector in the weapon barrel or for clamping the drone or effector to the weapon barrel.

[0030] Once in the target area, the drones are programmed via the programming interface on / in the container. This can be done by entering data for image recognition / signature, etc., of the combat vehicles to be engaged. Friend / Foe identification is also considered. Furthermore, the search area in which the enemy (targets) is expected to be located is programmed. The individual drone implements this information in such a way that it can fly into the target area independently or autonomously (rough tracking).

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, a number "n" of drones with effectors is deployed, which is based on the number of enemy vehicles equipped with a weapon system with a gun barrel. Depending on the pre-reconnaissance capability, the ratio of the number of drones to enemy vehicles can be at least 3:1 to 5:1. Other configurations are also possible.

[0032] Approaching as a swarm, the drones independently search for their target based on the programmed signature of the enemy vehicles. This can be done at a distance of at least 3 to 6 km, for example. The drone that first detects a target transmits this information along with the data to the other drones in its vicinity, e.g., in the form of GPS information.

[0033] In a particularly effective embodiment of the method, at least one other drone joins the target. The first drone becomes the master, and at least one other drone becomes the slave. The two or more drones form a group that then flies to the common target. This target area is hidden from the other drones. The drones outside the group then search for other targets in the target area. Once a drone has detected another target, it reports this data to other drones in its vicinity. The first drone to detect it becomes the master, with one or more drones joining as slaves. In this way, new groups for additional targets are constantly formed. Drones that have not been designated as either master or slave can fly back to the container.

[0034] A method for communication between drones can be found, for example, in DE 10 2015 006 233 A1. DE 10 2014 014 117 A1 also describes a communication option within a defense device.

[0035] The individual drones can be identical in design and equipped with the same effector. In this case, the means for placing the effector in the weapon barrel or clamping the drone to the weapon barrel are designed.

[0036] However, it is possible for the drones to be equipped with different effectors. In the case of different payloads, this can be taken into account when forming groups. Drones with an effector that is to be placed in the muzzle are combined with drones that, together with the effector, clamp the weapon barrel from the outside. Information about the structure of each effector can be communicated between the drones. This variant allows for the use of simpler means for deploying the effector or clamping the drone to the weapon barrel.

[0037] The invention proposes a drone comprising at least one motor with at least one power supply, at least one propeller, and at least one effector. This drone is characterized in that the at least one effector comprises at least one cutting charge and / or at least one pyrotechnic charge in the form of a termite charge. The drone also has a computer or processor. This computer or processor enables the drone to make decisions and autonomously fly within a given area. Furthermore, the drone can communicate with other drones, for which purpose the drone has at least one transmitting and receiving device.

[0038] A proposed method for engaging at least one target with at least one drone comprises the steps of programming the drone with image recognition data and entering the search area in which the target is expected. A further step is programming the drone to detect a target and approach the target, preferably directly. The drone flies toward the muzzle of at least one weapon barrel of the target, whereby the orientation of the weapon barrel is detected, allowing the at least one effector to be deployed into the weapon barrel.

[0039] Alternatively, a further method for engaging at least one target with at least one drone is proposed, which also includes the steps of programming the drone with image recognition data. A further step here is also the input of the search area in which the target is expected. In addition, the drone is programmed to detect a target and to approach the target, preferably directly. The drone flies towards a weapon barrel of the target and grips the weapon barrel in such a way that it can at least cool itself against or on the weapon barrel. The at least one effector then changes the internal geometry of the weapon barrel, rendering the weapon barrel itself unusable and, for example, rupturing when a projectile is fired.

[0040] What is proposed is a defense or combat system against a target that is lightweight and has the smallest possible installation space, but is highly effective in defense or combat.

[0041] The invention will be explained in more detail using an embodiment with drawing.

[0042] It shows: Fig. 1a container for holding several effectors, closed, Fig. 2the container made of Fig. 1 in an opened view, Fig. 3 a sketchy representation of a target area with combat vehicles, Fig. 4 a schematic representation of the target area from the perspective of one of the effectors, Fig. 5,6 a schematic representation of an effector in action, Fig. 7 a schematic representation of the result.

[0043] The Fig. 1 shows a container 1. The container 1 serves to accommodate at least one, but preferably several, drones 5. Such drones 5 are compact and unmanned. They can be remotely controlled, but can also fly autonomously. The autonomous or self-sufficient function of the drone 5 is preferred here. Up to 800 drones 5 (small drones) can be carried in a standard container.

[0044] The container 1 has at least one programming unit 2, which can be attached to a container wall 6 or to a door 3, etc. However, it is also possible to provide an interface and arrange the programming unit 2 inside the container 1. A power generator 4 can be carried inside the container 1, e.g., as a separate module, and / or located outside. Carrying the power generator 4 separately has the advantage of providing more space for the drones 5.

[0045] Each drone 5 has at least one motor (not shown in detail) and at least one propeller 5.1, which are arranged on or in the fuselage of the drone 5. Preferably, four propellers 5.1 are attached to the drone 5. The motor serves in particular to drive the at least one propeller 5.1.

[0046] Each of the drones 5 further comprises an effector 5.2. Steel nails, glass fragments, etc., are generally suitable as payloads for the effector 5.2. According to the invention, the use of a cutting charge and / or a pyrotechnic charge in the form of a termite charge is provided for the drone 5. In combination with steel nails, glass fragments, sand, etc., the effect on the target 8 can be increased. The effector 5.2 preferably comprises a casing for accommodating the payload.

[0047] Each drone 5 has its own intelligence, for example a computer or processor, etc. (not shown in detail), which enables the drone 5, for example, to make decisions based on stored comparison data and / or queries, to communicate with other drones 5, and to fly autonomously within a specified area. Preferably, each drone 5 furthermore has a day vision and / or night vision camera and a preferably programmable friend / foe image recognition system (not shown in detail). These sensors are connected to the computer. Each drone 5 also has an inertial system and / or GPS tracker (not shown in detail). The respective drone 5 can be controlled using satellite-based navigation systems or waypoint navigation. This allows each drone 5 to operate and communicate independently but also with other drones 5. For this purpose, the drone 5 has at least one transmitting and receiving device.For the function of the drone 5, at least one energy source is present in the drone 5 (not shown in detail).

[0048] Each drone 5 also has means 5.3. These means 5.3 can be joints that can be pivoted by approximately 90°, or can clamp onto or grasp a target 8, e.g., a weapon barrel 10 ( Fig. 5 Pivoting the means 5.3 in the direction of flight allows the effector 5.2 to be deposited into a muzzle 10.1 of the weapon barrel 10. Alternatively, a device can be used that ejects the effector 5.2 so that the effector 5.2 comes to rest in the muzzle 10.1 (not according to the invention). Clamping the means 5.3 makes it possible to attach the effector 5.2, including the drone 5, to the weapon barrel 10.

[0049] The functioning of the drone 5 or several drones 5 as attack drone or attack drones is as follows: The drones 5 are, for example, transported by means of the container 1 to a target area 7 or to the vicinity of a target area 7 ( Fig. 3 ). The batteries of the drones 5 are charged beforehand (not shown in detail). However, charging can also take place inside the container 1. For this purpose, the drones 5 are preferably housed in racks within the container 1 and electrically connected to the power generator 4 via the racks.

[0050] In the target area 7, the data for image recognition, such as a signature of the respective targets 8 to be engaged, is input, i.e. programmed, into the drones 5. This can be done via the programming interface on / in container 1. A specific signature of an enemy combat vehicle can be used. The sole criterion here can be, for example, friend / foe recognition. In addition, the search area in which the enemy target 8 is expected to be is entered. This programming can also be carried out via the programming interface on / in container 1. The programmed search area can be larger than the target area 7. The drone or drones 5 can, in turn, fly this stored route autonomously with the help of their inertial system or GPS system (rough tracking).

[0051] Fig. 2 shows container 1 from Fig. 1 in the target area 7 in an open position. Preferably, the side walls 6 of the container 1 can be pivoted sideways via articulated joints 1.1. This allows the drones 5 to easily leave the container 1 independently.

[0052] In Fig. 3 The target area 7 with enemy targets 8 is shown in more detail. The targets 8, in turn, have at least one weapon system 9 with at least one gun barrel 10. The at least one deployed drone 5 detects the target 8 within a radius of several kilometers using the camera(s) based on the programmed signature. After a friend / foe detection (12 = view of the drone 5), the drone 5 preferably flies directly to this target 8 ( Fig.4 ). This direct approach is then preferably carried out using fine tracking.

[0053] In a first embodiment, a muzzle 10.1 of the weapon barrel 10 can be approached. For this purpose, the orientation of the weapon barrel 10 is detected via the day and / or night vision camera, and the muzzle 10.1 is targeted. Using means 5.3, the effector 5.2 is deposited into the weapon barrel 10. A Termite charge as effector 5.2 would weld a steel pile into the weapon barrel 10.

[0054] In another embodiment, the drone 5 flies towards the weapon barrel 10. The means 5.3 of the drone 5 in this embodiment serves to enable the drone 5 to, for example, grip the weapon barrel 10, or at least to hold on to or on the weapon barrel 10 ( Fig. 5 ). The drone 5, recognizing the orientation of its means 5.3 to the weapon barrel 10, flies toward the weapon barrel 10 and clamps itself onto the means 5.3. Grippers or joints can serve as means 5.3. After clamping, the effector 5.2, e.g., a Termite charge, is ignited ( Fig. 6 ), which welds the weapon barrel 10 from the outside. This changes the internal geometry of the weapon barrel 10. When a shot is fired, the passage of a projectile (not shown in detail) is impaired to such an extent that the weapon barrel 10, for example, breaks off ( Fig. 7 ).

[0055] The triggering of the effector 5.2 should preferably be performed by the drone 5 itself. This can be done by programming or by means of a contact (not shown in detail) on the drone 5, which is activated upon contact with the weapon barrel 10.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, several drones 5 fly into the target area 7. Approaching as a swarm, the drones 5 independently search the target area 7 / search area based on a programmed signature of the enemy targets 8. This can be done within a radius of at least 3 to 6 km. The drone 5 that first detects a target 8 passes this information on to other drones 5. This drone 5 becomes the master drone. At least 1, preferably at least 2 to n additional drones 5 then follow the defined first master drone to the detected target 8. This target 8 is hidden from the other drones 5 in the swarm, and the swarm searches for additional targets 8 in the target area 7.

[0057] The next drone 5 that detects or recognizes a new target 8 becomes, for example, the second master drone. It is also followed by at least 1, preferably 2 to n, additional drones 5. For the remaining drones 5, this target 8 is hidden.

[0058] The next drone 5 that then detects another target 8 becomes the nth master drone, etc., until all drones 5 have received (their) target 8.

[0059] At target 8, the drones 5 fly to the gun barrel 10 during fine tracking and render it unusable, as already described.

Claims

1. Drone (5) with at least one motor with at least one power supply, at least one propeller (5.1) and at least one effector (5.2), wherein the at least one effector (5.2) comprises as payload at least one cutting charge and / or at least one pyrotechnic charge in the form of a thermite charge and characterized in that the drone (5) has means (5.3) for depositing the effector (5.2) on a weapon barrel (10) of a target (8), wherein the means (5.3) are designed such that the drone (5) together with the effector (5.2) can clamp itself to the weapon barrel (10) of the target (8).

2. Drone (5) according to claim 1, characterized in that the drone (5) has a computer or processor to make decisions, to autonomously fly over a predetermined space and to communicate, for which purpose the drone (5) has at least one transmitting and receiving device.

3. Drone (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the drone (5) comprises at least one day vision and / or night vision camera.

4. Drone (5) according to claim 3, characterized in that the drone (5) has programmable friend / foe image recognition.

5. Drone (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the drone (5) has at least one inertial system and / or at least one GPS tracker.

6. Method for attacking at least one target (8) with at least one drone (5), wherein the drone (5) is equipped with at least one motor with at least one power supply, at least one propeller (5.1) and at least one effector (5.2), wherein the at least one effector (5.2) comprises steel nails and / or glass fragments as payload and the drone (5) has means (5.3) for depositing the effector (5.2), wherein these means (5.2) are designed as joints that can be pivoted in such a way that the effector (5.2), which is located between these joints, can be deposited in the muzzle of the weapon barrel (10) of a target (8), wherein the method includes the following steps: - Programming the drone (5) with data for image recognition and - Inputting the search area in which the target (8) is expected, - Detecting a target (8) and flying to the target (8), preferably directly, wherein - a muzzle (10.1) of a weapon barrel (10) of the target (8) is approached, - Detecting the alignment of the weapon barrel (10) and - Placing the at least one effector (5.2) in the weapon barrel (10).

7. Method for attacking at least one target (8) with at least one drone (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the following steps: - Programming the drone (5) with data for image recognition and - Inputting the search area in which the target (8) is expected, - Detecting a target (8) and flying to the target (8), preferably directly, wherein - the drone (5) flies to a weapon barrel (10) of the target (8) and - the drone (5) clutches the weapon barrel (10), at least can hold onto or on the weapon barrel (10), and - the at least one effector (5.2) changes an internal geometry of the weapon barrel (10).

8. Method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that multiple drones (5) fly into a target area (7) as a swarm, wherein the drones (5) communicate with each other in such a way that a drone (5) which is the first to detect a target (8) passes this information on to others of the multiple drones (5), whereby this first detecting drone (5) becomes the master drone and at least one to n others of the multiple drones (5) follow this master drone as slaves, wherein this target (8) is hidden for the drones (5) which are not following this master drone.

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that on detecting a new target (8), the detecting drone (5) becomes the second master drone and passes this information on to others of the multiple drones (5), whereby at least one to n others of the multiple drones (5) follow this second master drone as slaves, wherein this target (8) is hidden for the drones (5) which are not following this master drone.

10. Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that on detecting further targets (8), respective nth master drones are formed and slaves are assigned to these until the multiple drones (5) have received a target (8) or those of the multiple drones (5) which were designated neither as the master drone nor as the slave fly back.

11. Method according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the at least one drone (5) or the multiple drones (5) are transferred to a target area (7) or to a vicinity of a target area by means of a container (1), wherein the container may have a programming interface and / or a power unit.