Sierra Nevada Corporation built this prototype spherical airship to “monitor crowds or border crossings.” It seems like they were inspired by Rover, the border patrol balloon from The Prisoner.
Right now FAA regulations require that it be manned but in the future it may be operated by remote control.
[Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Jim] McGinley says the airship could be valuable to anyone who desires a persistent surveillance presence in a remote location.
It looks like it would be fun to pop.
Giant sphere attracts attention in Stead (via TDG)