Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) research. Researcher reaches towards a flying UAV called the 'Flying Ball.' This UAV achieves flight by the actions of a central propeller. Surrounding the propeller unit is a shell that contains the aircraft electronics and protects the aircraft from collisions. It is able to hover and manoeuvre like a helicopter. Miniature UAV aircraft such as the flying ball are being developed for military and civilian surveillance and eavesdropping. Photographed at Bertin Technologies, France, in 2005.