Fireworks are an integral part of many holidays, their usual component. In the future (perhaps not very far away anymore!) They may be replaced by a drone show. Is it bad?
In 2017, Intel drones lit up Lady Gaga's performance during the Pepsi Zero Sugar Super Bowl LI Halftime show. At that time, 300 Intel Shooting Star drones performed in a choreographic aerial performance, depicting the American flag and the Intel and Pepsi logos in combat flight.
Last year, entertainment company SkyMagic used a fleet of 300 drones to celebrate the new year of the mayor of London. As drones advance in technology, they are likely to replace fireworks more and more often.
During the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics this year, the sky lit up an entire fleet of aircraft. Both fireworks and drones were used to celebrate the latest innovation at the Over the Top event in Dallas, TX.
Why is it just about replacing the fireworks, and not about the addition? First, there is a whole anti-fireworks movement. Animal lovers play a huge role, according to Robert Neff, partner and general manager of Mercia Marina in Derbyshire. "[Boat owners with cats and dogs] often complain that their pets are suffering from fireworks."
Secondly, notes SkyMagic's Ollie Howitt, drones do not emit harmful substances, they are reusable, and they leave behind sediment or debris. All this, of course, makes drones more preferable from an environmental standpoint.
Fireworks manufacturers naturally disagree. A spokesman for the British Fireworks Association told The Guardian that drones themselves pose an environmental problem. “We have serious concerns about electricity consumption and the use of lithium batteries, which are notoriously not so green.
Experts also note that drones can scare horses and livestock, as well as collide with birds. In addition, large-scale drone swarms need to be properly coordinated with local aviation and air traffic authorities, which is a hassle.
And finally, they do not produce the sounds so characteristic of fireworks and so beloved by many spectators of light shows. Silent visuals are one of the main factors prompting some professionals to combine drones and pyrotechnic shows together.
Will drones replace fireworks? So far, it is unlikely, although with the tightening of environmental policy everything can be. Can they complement light shows? And how!
bbabo.Net