California - A project manager has demonstrated a tiny spy plane with flapping wings like a hummingbird.
Matt Keennon of AeroVironment showed off the high-tech device on Friday to journalists at company facilities in Simi Valley.
The aircraft with a 6.5-inch (16-centimetre) wing span can record sights and sounds on a video camera in its belly.
Developers say it can perch on a window ledge and gather intelligence unbeknownst to an enemy.
The craft can hover and move quickly in almost any direction, a capability defence officials want in a small aircraft for intelligence and reconnaissance.
The craft was developed for a U.S. defence agency, but it's not clear if it will ever leave the lab.
It buzzed Keennon's head before landing on his hand during the demonstration.