The only use I have found yet for drones is to use them as scouts in a full-tech game. A Large Drone with Contra Terrene engines and four stellar panels can travel at a speed of 10, should generate enough supplies to travel for more than a few turns.
Its main advantage is that it can be built in a single turn without a space yard (thanks to emergency build), unlike an escort. But obviously, you do need full tech, or many points to waste on the drone technology.
In his next mod, SJ will use these drones as repair machines, but I seem to be digressing. At least, drones will have an use there.
