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Drones are to be crashed into passenger planes as part of a study into the safety of the devices, which are being increasingly spotted near airports, it has been claimed.
According to The Daily Mail, the tests revolve around pilot fears that drones could pierce the windscreens of a cockpit.
Last week the latest in a string of reports of “near-misses” close to Heathrow Airport was logged, with police investigating two sightings of a drone flying dangerously close to flight paths.
The explosion in popularity of the airborne devices has led to around two million now said to be in circulation in the UK, with many capable models available for less than £500.
Amazon is currently testing the use of commercial drones for delivering some parcels. The tech and retail giant is carrying out its tests in the UK.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has created a Drone Code in the wake of the increase in consumer demand for the devices, with the rules stating that amateur drones must not be flown above 400 metres and must always be within sight of the pilot.
Drones that carry cameras are not allowed within 50 metres of people, vehicles, buildings or structures.
The code also bans their use near airports or any aircraft.
