James Bond devices pale next to old CIA gear

The film character James Bond always seems to have the right piece of technology to help him survive. The problem for tech geeks, however, is that those gadgets were fictional.

Turns out, reality can be just as cool.

Case in point: old-school technology from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Dragonfly Insectothopter / Courtesy of Central Intelligence Agency

One example was the “Dragonfly Insectothopter,” an insect-sized vehicle for intelligence collection in 1970s. It had a small engine to make the wings move up and down was operated by a small amount of gas. The excess was released through the rear for thrust. However, it was difficult to control.

Pigeon Camera / Courtesy of Central Intelligence Agency

Another was the “pigeon camera,” which was small and light enough to be strapped to the body of a common bird. While camera was running, the bird would pass over a target on its way home. It provided detailed images because pigeon can fly at a lower altitude than aircrafts.

The "Belly Buster" hand-crank audio drill / Courtesy of Central Intelligence Agency

The “Belly Buster” hand-crank audio drill was used to implant audio devices into masonry by drilling holes. The base of the drill was held firmly against the stomach while the handle was moved manually.

Charlie / Courtesy of Central Intelligence Agency

A robot fish dubbed “Charlie” was an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) fish developed to study aquatic robot technology. It had a pressure hull, ballast system and communications system in the body and a propulsion system in tail.