# How long before a drone is used to assassinate a major figure **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 18, 2015, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-before-a-drone-is-used-to-assassinate-a-major-figure/722825 "2015-06-18T05:26:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ssgenius](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5ac83/32.png) [@ssgenius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ssgenius)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-before-a-drone-is-used-to-assassinate-a-major-figure/722825/1 "2015-06-18T05:26:28Z")
Hopefully, I am not giving anyone an idea:eek: Historically, most assassinations have been of a lone gunman or someone trying something with explosives I wonder how long it will be before someone tries to use a drone for this The obvious advantage is that the person running the drone would be able stay some distance from the target but on the disadvantage, the drone would be noisy and easier to spot than say a lone gunman in the Texas book depository Is this option being taken in account with the current security protocols? Just curious ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 8:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-before-a-drone-is-used-to-assassinate-a-major-figure/722825/2 "2015-06-18T08:41:34Z")
From the standpoint of certain global organizations in the world fighting for change (of a sort I’m not personally in favor of) that has already happened you know. #2 guy at Al Qaeda is kind of major to some folks. But, since we all pretty much know what you mean… probably a few years at most. The tech is relatively cheap, not that hard to use, and it’s a matter of time in my opinion. ---
**Author:** ![pool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pool/32/4152_2.png) [@pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pool)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 8:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-before-a-drone-is-used-to-assassinate-a-major-figure/722825/3 "2015-06-18T08:57:03Z")
I am become death: [http://www.psfk.com/2013/06/dominos-pizza-delivery-drone.html](http://www.psfk.com/2013/06/dominos-pizza-delivery-drone.html) Hope you saved room for desert!!! Muhahaha!!! ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 10:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-before-a-drone-is-used-to-assassinate-a-major-figure/722825/4 "2015-06-18T10:39:25Z")
Think its much more likely to be used in a jealousy or greed driven murder. ---
**Author:** ![bengangmo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@bengangmo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bengangmo)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-before-a-drone-is-used-to-assassinate-a-major-figure/722825/5 "2015-06-18T11:29:51Z")
What’s the definition of major? Govenor level? Or for UK …house of commons? Would think it’s only a matter of time… ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-before-a-drone-is-used-to-assassinate-a-major-figure/722825/6 "2015-06-18T11:48:52Z")
My perception is that many of the major terror groups, AQIP, ISIS, etc learn from and try to emulate US tactics and methodology. They certainly have become more technically savvy in many of their operations, from bomb making to social media. So small scale weaponized drones are almost certainly ‘on the radar’ and just a matter of time. ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-before-a-drone-is-used-to-assassinate-a-major-figure/722825/7 "2015-06-18T12:16:25Z")
As mentioned above the US has already successfully assassinated a high level enemy target by drone (actually multiple IIRC). For a individual making such a attempt what is the likelyhood of making a untraceable drone, one where it may operate autonomously, perhaps use a cellular data plan of a cash and carry disposable phone sim card to upload to utube to a dummy account (or whatever site) if live video is needed. Also what about breaching no-fly zones, including places like ‘Area 51’ and other off limits places. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-before-a-drone-is-used-to-assassinate-a-major-figure/722825/8 "2015-06-18T12:51:58Z")
I don’t think you could ever get a world leader that way. They have guards whom I assume are good enough shots to take one of these relatively slow moving targets out. ---
**Author:** ![Ranchoth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranchoth/32/1066_2.png) [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-before-a-drone-is-used-to-assassinate-a-major-figure/722825/9 "2015-06-18T13:02:26Z")
…will it count as an “assassination” if a drone ends up killing someone completely by accident? Like, someone tries to get a picture of some celeb or politician sunbathing naked, but accidentally flies the cheapo drone into their face at 90 mph? ---
**Author:** ![The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_stainless_steel_rat/32/5727_2.png) [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Stainless_Steel_Rat)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-before-a-drone-is-used-to-assassinate-a-major-figure/722825/10 "2015-06-18T13:13:32Z")
To answer the question, a probability approaching 100% before the end of the next decade (2030). Technology, especially using drones, is still improving and it will filter down to groups that will find a way to use it against ‘major figures’. Might not be a “Major” major figure (i.e., Presidents and such), but as noted above, the US has demonstrated the capability (albeit using Hellfire missiles, which are not your everyday explosive), but as amply (and tragically) demonstrated in 2001, terrorists have got brains too, and can find a way… ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-before-a-drone-is-used-to-assassinate-a-major-figure/722825/11 "2015-06-18T13:22:39Z")
> [@BobLibDem](#): > > I don’t think you could ever get a world leader that way. They have guards whom I assume are good enough shots to take one of these relatively slow moving targets out. Just a quick google and a particular drone travels at 30-40 mph, I assume higher in a suicide dive and that some drones are even faster the 40mph, would also include the possibilities of the drone flying evasively, perhaps a programed evasively maneuver to target option. Would have to be a really good shot for that, expecially if using a single slug as opposed to buck shot, also considering spectator causalities when your shot comes down, hit or miss. It does pose quite a challenge. If too many spectators are killed by the rain of shots fired in the air the question of if the life of the leader is worth all those causalities, and if such a leader is really needed anymore might be raised. Adding hitting them does not necessarily mean they are going down, or even that their flight capability would be disrupted. Also these drones could be made to carry their own way of shooting ground targets so they may be able to shoot from a distance. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-before-a-drone-is-used-to-assassinate-a-major-figure/722825/12 "2015-06-18T14:04:08Z")
There are “drones”, that is, radio control model aircraft, that can travel in excess of 200 mph. These have existed for years. They take a bit more skill than the quad-copters and slower ones, but the learning curve isn’t prohibitive. Good luck shooting one of those down. There are chips that can be programmed to take your drone to a specific location based on GPS coordinates. Again, these have existed for years. Originally intended to permit a safer, more controlled landing due to communications failure between operator and aircraft, they could be repurposed. Video cameras for drones have existed for years, even prior to the iPhone. There are probably work-arounds for any issue with current systems but as I am not a terrorist I really have zero interest in speculating any further on details. Really, the necessary parts are all there, can all be bought off the shelf and assembled. That doesn’t mean knocking them all together in an afternoon, but honestly, I can’t figure out why this hasn’t already happened. Other than maybe car bombs and pressure cooker bombs are still cheaper and more readily available. ---
**Author:** ![Smeghead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f1d935/32.png) [@Smeghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smeghead)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-before-a-drone-is-used-to-assassinate-a-major-figure/722825/13 "2015-06-18T14:08:17Z")
About 45 minutes, if I can get this stupid antenna set up. ---
**Author:** ![Canadjun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/76d3ee/32.png) [@Canadjun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Canadjun)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-before-a-drone-is-used-to-assassinate-a-major-figure/722825/14 "2015-06-18T14:33:13Z")
> [@kanicbird](#): > > For a individual making such a attempt what is the likelyhood of making a untraceable drone, one where it may operate autonomously, perhaps use a cellular data plan of a cash and carry disposable phone sim card to upload to utube to a dummy account (or whatever site) if live video is needed. Why make one? Steal an off-the-shelf one along with the control equipment (I include fraudulent credit card purchasing in the “stealing” category). ---
**Author:** ![perc\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e68b1a/32.png) [@perc\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/perc_1)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-before-a-drone-is-used-to-assassinate-a-major-figure/722825/15 "2015-06-18T15:03:23Z")
Terrorists are kinda dumb… If those 911 terrorists were smart for example they would have flown those planes into Nuclear plants. Imagine the devastation of multiple nuclear melt downs across the country and the radiation spreading… Welcome to my sick mind. ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-before-a-drone-is-used-to-assassinate-a-major-figure/722825/16 "2015-06-18T15:09:46Z")
I’ll go with longer than a year but less than two. And I expect the target to be more a civilian leader (leader of a cause) than an outright political figure like an elected official. ---
**Author:** ![madsircool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madsircool/32/3432_2.png) [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-before-a-drone-is-used-to-assassinate-a-major-figure/722825/17 "2015-06-18T16:22:55Z")
> [@perc\_1](#): > > Terrorists are kinda dumb… If those 911 terrorists were smart for example they would have flown those planes into Nuclear plants. Imagine the devastation of multiple nuclear melt downs across the country and the radiation spreading… > Welcome to my sick mind. If they could breach them…even with planes. [http://www.nei.org/News-Media/Media-Room/News-Releases/Analysis-of-Nuclear-Power-Plants-Shows-Aircraft-Cr](http://www.nei.org/News-Media/Media-Room/News-Releases/Analysis-of-Nuclear-Power-Plants-Shows-Aircraft-Cr) ---
**Author:** ![G0sp3l](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c68b51/32.png) [@G0sp3l](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/G0sp3l)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-before-a-drone-is-used-to-assassinate-a-major-figure/722825/18 "2015-06-18T16:46:53Z")
> [@perc\_1](#): > > Terrorists are kinda dumb… If those 911 terrorists were smart for example they would have flown those planes into Nuclear plants. Imagine the devastation of multiple nuclear melt downs across the country and the radiation spreading… > Welcome to my sick mind. Terrorists (some anyway) are smarter than you think. Terror isn’t always about killing the maximum number of people, the towers were symbols. And one thing they accomplished, for sure, was making Americans afraid. America is isolated from the rest of the world and the people here were thinking they were untouchable, 9/11 removed those blinders. I would think the best way to use a drone for assassination is the same way the military does, as a weapons platform. Get line of sight and the right weapon… ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-before-a-drone-is-used-to-assassinate-a-major-figure/722825/19 "2015-06-18T17:11:16Z")
> [@ssgenius](#): > > Hopefully, I am not giving anyone an idea:eek: [We have already thought of it just last year.](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=721077&highlight=drone) And some people just can’t seem to wrap there head around the idea. ---
**Author:** ![Diceman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Diceman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diceman)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2015, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-before-a-drone-is-used-to-assassinate-a-major-figure/722825/20 "2015-06-18T18:09:36Z")
I’m sure your typical terrorist can’t get ahold of missles, but I’d think it would be perfectly feasible to mount machine guns on a drone. Or one of those large-caliber sniper rifles. I’ve read that some of the larger sniper rifles have a range of 1 km+. The drone would just have to get close enough to see the person. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-before-a-drone-is-used-to-assassinate-a-major-figure/722825.md?page=2)