# Handgun-Toting Drones This Handgun Drone Was Created By an 18-Year-Old Inventor By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2015-07-28 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handgun-drone References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/handgun-drone-investigation-youtube-connecticut/38571/) & [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqHrTtvFFIs&feature=youtu.be) An 18-year-old mechanical engineering student based in Connecticut managed to affix a semi-automatic handgun to a custom-built drone. In a video titled 'Flying Gun' posted on [YouTube](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mrbeast), the multi-rotor drone is seen floating amongst trees in the student's family's property and firing four shots, recoiling and repositioning itself after each shot. The contraption's developer Austin Haughwout is a student of [Central Connecticut State University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mesh89). The video was shot on the family's property in Clinton, Connecticut, something which ensured that they didn't break any laws. However, the [Federal Aviation Authority](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/twoseat-helicopter) has decided to investigate the project to figure out the implications of the experiment on air safety. While there's no doubt that Haughwout managed quite a feat of engineering and design with his handgun drone, this project also throws up several interesting questions on the applications of drone technology going forward. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 62% | Activity: 57% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Weaponized Drones:** The development of a handgun drone raises concerns about the potential for weaponizing drones and the implications for public safety. - **Drone Regulations:** The Federal Aviation Authority's investigation into the handgun drone project highlights the need for tighter regulations around drone usage, particularly with regards to weaponization. - **Ethics of Drone Technology:** The handgun drone project prompts discussions on the ethical considerations of drone technology and its potential misuse for harmful purposes. ### Where This Applies - **Aerospace and Defense:** The weaponization of drones creates opportunities for innovation in the aerospace and defense industry, particularly in developing counter-drone systems. - **Law Enforcement:** Law enforcement agencies may need to invest in new technologies and training to address the potential threat posed by weaponized drones. - **Technology and Innovation:** The handgun drone project sparks new discussions and research in the technology and innovation sector to find ways to mitigate risks associated with weaponized drones. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Heavy-Duty Hybrid Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-drones.md) - [Drone-Intercepting Quadcopters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drone-interceptor.md) - [Self-Stabilizing Photography Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoverair-x1-selfflying-camera.md) - [Hazardous Weather-Ready Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tf-g1.md) - [Extreme-Heat Firefighting Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/firedrone-by-empa.md) - [Autonomous High-Profile Combat Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/motorcycle-drone.md) - [Incline-Friendly Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modified-drone.md) - [Hovering Selfie Drone Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/camera-x1.md) - [Laser-Controlled Military Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lasercontrolled-military-drone.md)