AirDrop

An airdrop refers to the delivery of supplies, equipment, or people from an aircraft without the aircraft landing. In military and humanitarian contexts, airdrops are used to reach inaccessible areas, relieve besieged populations, or supply frontline personnel. Deliveries are planned for a specific drop zone and may use parachutes or dedicated containers to stabilize payloads during descent. Weather, wind, altitude, and airspace restrictions influence where and how a drop can be made.

Historically, airdrops played a role in combat operations and relief missions since the mid-20th century. Modern airdrop missions emphasize accuracy, safety, and timeliness, and may involve cargo pallets, chutes, and recovery procedures after the drop. Civilian organizations use airdrops in disaster response when ground access is limited.

Apple AirDrop is a digital file-sharing feature introduced by Apple in 2011. It enables wireless transfer of files between nearby devices using Bluetooth for discovery and Wi-Fi for the transfer, without an internet connection. Transfers are designed to be secure and private, requiring the sender and receiver to approve connections. The service works across macOS and iOS devices, with limitations such as range and platform compatibility.

In blockchain and cryptocurrency contexts, an airdrop is a distribution of tokens or coins to wallet holders or potential users, typically as a promotional or decentralization strategy. Airdrops may require meeting criteria such as holding a prior token, completing tasks, or signing up. They carry risks including scams, regulatory scrutiny, and variable value.

Overall, the term covers both physical drops and digital transfers, sharing a core idea of delivering from air to ground or to nearby devices.