This is Argus One, the Pentagon’s newest unmanned aerial spy. It can carry 14kg of high-tech sensors and it just happens to be shaped like a sperm because this shape is better at handling turbulences at high altitudes.
The aircraft was created by the World Surveillance Group for the Pentagon. It’s now being tested at an undisclosed test range location. It’s designed to be a long term spy, the military’s “eyes in the sky” hovering over conflict zones at 10,000 (3000m) to 20,000 feet (6096m).
It’s engineering is actually quite ingenious. According to WSG, “the airship’s altitude, overall response and handling characteristics and flight control utilises a system of ballonets contained within each individual module, thereby creating a dynamically adjustable airship.” They say this offers several advantages over solid drones:
The Argus One has significant competitive advantages over the existing manned aircraft, heavier-than-air fixed wing UAVs, tethered aerostats and balloons, or low orbit satellite alternatives. The Argus One has a flexible, non-rigid envelope which allows for easy storage and transport to remote locations. There is no need for large hangars or airport infrastructure, as the Argus One can be assembled and tactically launched in hours from virtually anywhere, including remote, mountainous territory.
It also looks funny. [Argus via Defense Tech]