FLIR wins US$15.4 million deal for for Black Hornet nano-UAV systems

FLIR Systems announced it has won an additional US$15.4 million contract to deliver its FLIR Black Hornet 3 Personal Reconnaissance Systems (PRS) to the US Army. The advanced nano-unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are being used to augment squad and small unit-level surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities as part of the Army’s Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) program. In late 2018, the US Army began acquiring Black Hornet 3s to support the SBS effort. Since then, it has placed orders totalling more than US$85 million for the FLIR nano-UAV. Extremely light and well suited for operations in contested environments, nearly silent, and with a flight time up to 25 minutes, the combat-proven, pocket-sized Black Hornet PRS transmits live video and HD still images back to the operator. Its information feed provides soldiers with immediate covert situational awareness to help them perform missions more effectively. FLIR has delivered more than 12,000 Black Hornet nano-UAVs to defence and security forces worldwide. “Unmanned systems like our Black Hornet provide enhanced standoff and safety to troops in harm’s way, which is critical as militaries intensify their plans for multi-domain operations,” said Roger Wells, vice president and general manager of Unmanned Systems & Integrated Solutions at FLIR. “We’re honoured the Black Hornet plays an integral part in the Army’s Soldier Borne Sensor program. Every new order is a testament to the difference this technology can make on the battlefield and renews our commitment to advancing the science.” The award-winning Black Hornet is designed and built by FLIR in Norway. Deliveries will begin midyear 2021. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]