unpiloted
Definition
Adjective: - Not operated by a pilot: "unpiloted" describes a vehicle, especially an aircraft or spacecraft, that is controlled without a human pilot on board, typically through remote control or autonomous systems.
Usage Examples
- (An aircraft without a human pilot was used for surveillance.)
- (Remotely operated underwater vehicles investigate marine environments.)
- (The space vehicle operated without a crew onboard.)
Advanced Usage
"unpiloted flight": a flight conducted without a human pilot.
- The unpiloted flight tested new navigation software. (The aircraft flew autonomously to assess the system.)
"unpiloted vehicle": any vehicle that operates without a human operator physically present.
- Unpiloted vehicles are increasingly used in agriculture for crop monitoring. (Automated machines assist farmers.)
Variants and Related Words
Pilot (n/v): a person who operates an aircraft or ship; to operate such a vehicle.
- The pilot skillfully landed the plane. (The human operator performed the landing.)
Piloted (adj): operated by a pilot.
- The piloted aircraft carried a crew of five. (The plane had a human pilot onboard.)
Unpilotedness (n): the state or quality of being without a pilot.
- The unpilotedness of the mission reduced risk to human life. (The lack of a pilot lowered danger.)
Synonyms
- Autonomous: operating independently without direct human control.
- Unmanned: lacking a human crew or operator.
- Remote-controlled: directed from a distance by a human operator.
Related Idioms
Fly blind: to operate an aircraft or situation without clear guidance or information.
- Without a pilot, the unpiloted drone must fly blind through the storm. (It navigates without human input.)
Take the controls: to assume command of a vehicle or situation.
- In an unpiloted system, software takes the controls instead of a human. (Software assumes operational authority.)