Destroyer 4 Mosquito

These reconnaissance drones were once some of the most advanced robotic aircraft, however in the following decades their technology was greatly surpassed. The Hive's inability to manufacture a replacement drone in large amounts, and the existing fleet's enormous size keep this thing in service. The name mosquito is derived from the high pitched buzz it's tiny piston engine produces. However ironically it's name fits better now, as they are frequently 'swatted at' if you will. It's original high altitude strategic reconnaissance mission has been rendered impossible as it's slow speed, nonexistent stealth, and inability to maneuver make it a sitting duck. It's modern mission is low altitude battlefield observation, flying communications relay, or even as a flying bomb. It was however never designed for such low altitude missions. It's lack of armor makes it vulnerable to ground fire, or even someone who can throw really well. The lack of a suitable replacement has kept this dinosaur on the frontlines, thousands have been shot down. They mean little, they are expendable. However, if they could think, perhaps they would prefer serving their creators rather than being crushed for scrap.
The fleet is still enormous, and it's unlikely the more advanced Turbo-Mosquito will replace it. However a classified successor is rumored to be in the works.
This was a fun MOC. Just had some inspiration from those swords, and after several horrible body designs, I came up with this one that I absolutely love. I also had quite a time imagining it's backstory, that the large fleet is old and being shot down in huge amounts, but it's effective enough not to secure a replacement. I also used 3rdeye88's idea to mix a stud with an old style ball joint to make an eye. It looked weird as an eye, but it worked really well as the camera eye for the drone. I also like teasing at the idea that these Hive drones are perhaps more sentient than they're given credit for, almost like a ghost in the machine. So I really loved working on this one, LEGO normally isn't good for building aircraft, but the few small ones that I've built have been some of my favorite MOCs. I'll leave you with the hint that the "classified" replacement is more real than you might think