Drones are aerial robots used by the Nazis in the 1940s, 1960s and 1980s. They have appeared in all of MachineGames entries with different designs and attacks.

Overview

The WESPE drone is an unmanned combat aircraft controlled by a basic AI unit. It was developed in the late 40s by Dr. Ludwig Wald, one of Germania's top radio engineers, as a way to efficiently survey large areas of Nazi-controlled cities from above without requiring a human component. Since then, it has been enhanced with numerous abilities, such as power-efficient laser cannons and ramjet engines.

By 1960 a handful of Drones, presumably modified to operate above the lunar surface, had been deployed to guard the exterior of the Nazi moon base.

1946

The first model is quite old fashioned-with its slow speed, and loud firing noise. In addition to their weak armor. These drones are armed with mini rockets which it launch at B.J. upon spotting him. It will self destruct if destroyed. Strangely, the destroyed Drone remains can be picked up and used as armor by B.J.

1960

In 1960, the Drone model changed---it has three engines instead of two, has greater speed, most of them do not make any noises when operating, have heavier armor and can dodge enemy bullets quickly. They are armed with a downgraded MG-60 which has great accuracy. A few Drones are modified to patrol the lunar surface outside Moon Base One. Like their predecessor, they will self destruct if destroyed.

1961

Despite its bulkier new design, the drone is still quite weak, since B.J. can kill it with a few shots from a Maschinenpistole or a single shot from a Hammergewehr. However, it is still dangerous since its weapon has been upgraded to fire a concentrated laser beam similiar to the Lasergewehr. In fact, the drone appears to actually be an older 1950's model than the 1960 drone version. This is probably because of the fact that German forces in the American Colonies have a relatively lower priority with regards as to most new equipment (the ÜberSoldat being one of the notable exceptions to this). This was in turn due in part to the ongoing war in Africa, but also because (ironically as it turns out) America in general was considered to having been successfully 'pacified'.

The Drones also act as surveillance around areas, going on alert if they spot an enemy. Similar to the Laserhund, once destroyed, they land and cause an explosion that can injure the player; sometimes even knocking them backward.

1980

The drone returns in 1980s Neu-Paris. While they resemble their American models, some of these drones have been equipped with missile launchers in lieu of laser weaponry. There is also a chance of encountering a variant of the drone, the Elektrodrone, which is equipped with an electric cannon that follows the principles of the Elektrokraftwerk, rather than a missile launcher. These Drones are only encountered during the Treasure Hunt mission.

Strategy

The New Order

• The Drone can be quite a nuisance due to its speed and long-range accuracy. However, it has fairly weak armor and can be brought down by one shotgun blast if close enough.
• The Drones fought on the moon can be one-shotted using the LaserKraftWerk (provided that player has upgraded the weapon), and are only encountered in areas where a charge station is nearby.

The Old Blood

• The drone's make a noise before shooting their rockets, giving the player time to destroy them before they attack.
• They can be destroyed with the MG-46 or a single shot of the Bombenschuss.

The New Colossus

• A drone can be easily destroyed with any weapon with a single shot (e.g. Sturmgewehr or LaserKraftWerk), they can be silently killed with a silenced weapon. That being said, if the explosion is heard by enemies, they will go on alert.
• They are usually near a group of soldiers, Super Soldiers, and sometimes a Commander.
• The laser can be avoided if the player moves around or hides behind cover, as they charge shots. In addition, they move from left to right, trying to get better view to shoot at the player.

Youngblood

• Drones in Youngblood can easily be destroyed from elevation, or with turret weapons.
• Grenade drones are weakly armored, but can be an irritant due to the heavier and wider damage they inflict from above.

Video

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=J07thguZclg&list=PLs1-UdHIwbo65eBChx7Nq0P0JIS8zsK17&index=8&t=80s drone 1946 attack animation

https://m.youtube.com/user/NickRaynor1984/videos YouTube channel featuring drone 1961

Gallery

Lunar Drone

Drone 1946

Drone 1946 by Tor Frick

Two drones attack B.J. with high-powered laser cannons in The New Colossus.

Drone in Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus.

Drone attacking the Terror Twins in Youngblood.

Drone in Youngblood.

An elektrodrohne

Drone vent concept