An unmanned flying helicopter drone has captured incredible close-up video footage of a live volcano erupting in Vanuatu, an island nation just off the coast of Australia, according to DroneHire.org.

Drone operator Shaun O'Callaghan sent his DJI Phantom 2 quadcopter drone armed with a GoPro camera to the crater at the top of Mount Yasur, an active volcano that stands 361 metres above sea level and is considered to be one of the most easily accessible live volcanos in the world.

The drone was able to dodge scorching debris and lava at temperatures of up to 1,200 degrees Celsius, record the footage and still return safely to its owner.

The Phantom drone is one of the most highly regarded flying drones as it is very durable and can manage an above-average flight time of 25 minutes.

Ordinary aircraft have never been able to get this close to a live volcano as the smoke and debris pose a great danger since they can interfere with aircraft engines and helicopter rotor blades.