Guide Note

According to Xinhua news agency, a Chinese company has developed a working "UFO" with a design vaguely similar to the flying saucers imagined in 1950s science fiction. The craft is an unmanned drone, and can reportedly hover at 1,000 metres and reach a top speed of 80 mph.¹ It is intended for photographic and geological use, as well as "emergency lighting."¹

Fast Facts

1. Maker: Harbin Smart Special Aerocraft Co. Ltd.
2. Prototype cost $4.1 million (28 million yuan) to develop
3. Fine-tuned over 12 years
4. Unmanned craft
5. Remote controlled, or programmed
6. Fueled by methanol²
7. Powered by single propeller²