University of Florida Professor Designs Plasma-Propelled Flying Saucer

Flying saucers may soon be more fact than mere science fiction.

University of Florida mechanical and aerospace engineering associate professor Subrata Roy has submitted a patent application for a circular, spinning aircraft design reminiscent of the spaceships seen in countless Hollywood films. Roy, however, calls his design a “wingless electromagnetic air vehicle,” or WEAV.

The U.S. Air Force and NASA have expressed interest in the aircraft, he said.

Illustration of proposed prototype mini-flying saucer.