Unlike an unmanned aerial vehicle, commonly known as a drone, the cyber drone is controlled autonomously by onboard computers and artificial intelligence. The launch and recovery method is by the function of an automatic system linked to two inducted fans and turbo jet engines.

These drones are usually deployed for military special operation applications, and civil applications, such as police and nonmilitary security work. Cyber drones are often preferred for missions that are too "dirty or dangerous" for manned aircraft.