I haven't looked up the dictionary definition of drone... but I suspect you've just revealed yourself to be over-qualified for the job of journalist. (that's a compliment!)
The US has manned drones. There are (or were as of this week) QF-4S drones stationed at Pt. Mugu which were used as aerial targets for weapons development. They are old Navy F-4S fighters which could be used either piloted or remotely.
24 posted on 07/02/2004 4:47:59 PM PDT by MediaMole