Drones Set to Share Sky with Commercial Airliners (VIDEO)

The tests involved a Predator B drone fitted with radio location systems found on domestic aircraft that help them spot and avoid other planes.

The tests will help to pave the way for greater use of drones in America's domestic airspace.

The flight tests took place off the coast of Florida in early August, but details have only just been released.

The Predator B used in the tests is a modified version of the Guardian drone typically used by the US navy. While such robot planes have been widely used in war zones and on military operations, their use over native soil has been restricted.

Politicians have given the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) until 2015 to prepare its air traffic systems for the use of drones, both commercial and military, over US territory.