This hummingbird is really a $4million spy drone
Sure it looks like a dubious model of a hummingbird which would be at home on a shelf at your granny's house - but this is actually a $4million spy drone.The mini spy plane has been developed by a major Pentagon contractor over a period of five years and is said to contain revolutionary new technology.
Called a 'Nano Hummingbird' the two-wing, flapping aircraft is capable of climbing and descending vertically, and flying sideways left and right.
It's thought army bosses could eventually use it to spy on enemy positions in war zones without arousing detection… or just use it as a really cool toy.
Makers AeroVironment say the hand-made prototype aircraft has a wingspan of 16 centimeters (6.5 inches) tip-to-tip and has a total flying weight of 19 grams (2/3 ounce), which is less than the weight of a common AA battery.
This includes all the systems required for flight; batteries, motors, communications systems and video camera.
The aircraft can also be fitted with a removable body fairing, which is shaped to have the appearance of a real hummingbird.
A spokesperson for AeroVironment said: "The success of the Nano Hummingbird was highly dependent on the intense combination of creative, scientific, and artistic problem-solving skills from the many AV team members."
LINKSAeroVironment
