In a daring leap into the future of military reconnaissance, Teledyne FLIR Defense is placing its bets on a drone so small it can easily nestle in the palm of a soldier’s hand.

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Teledyne FLIR Defense, a subsidiary of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, has unveiled its latest innovation in unmanned aerial vehicles: the Black Hornet 4.

Introduced at the recent Association of the United States Army’s (AUSA) annual conference, this remarkable nano-drone is set to revolutionize the way military and reconnaissance operations are conducted—offering superior performance and capabilities in a compact and lightweight design.

The Evolution of Black Hornet Nano-Drones

The Black Hornet series, known for its exceptional utility in military and security applications, has come a long way from its inception.

Its early iteration, the Black Hornet 1, was first introduced by the Norwegian company Prox Dynamics, bought by Teledyne FLIR in 2016, aiming to provide an invaluable tool to soldiers and amp up situational awareness.

Its ability to capture real-time imagery during reconnaissance missions despite its small size was nothing short of a remarkable feat of engineering, and from then on, it gained global recognition, particularly after the US Army adopted the micro unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

The Black Hornets 2 and 3 followed, representing significant upgrades over their predecessors. These versions featured improved camera systems, extended flight times, and enhanced stability in various environmental conditions. The US Army’s embrace of the Black Hornet drones provided crucial feedback and practical experience contributing to their refinement.

Black Hornet 4: Feature Upgrades

The Black Hornet 4, the latest upgraded variant, boasts several impressive features that enhance its capabilities, including a superior camera system, extended flight time, obstacle avoidance, and a low visual and audible signature for covert operations.

Compact Design and Advanced Camera System

The Black Hornet 4, measuring a mere 10 inches long and weighing only 70 grams (about 2.5 oz), offers exceptional compactness without sacrificing power. Its small size allows easy transport and deployment, easily fitting in a soldier’s hand.

Key to its capabilities is an advanced camera system featuring a 12-megapixel electro-optical primary camera that allows for excellent images in low-light conditions and a high-resolution thermal imager. These enhancements enable operators to capture crucial visual intelligence across diverse environmental conditions.

Extended Flight Time, Range, and Resilience

The Black Hornet 4’s impressive 30+ minute flight time and a range exceeding 2 kilometers provide extended reconnaissance capabilities. It maintains stability even in winds of up to 25 knots, making it a reliable asset in challenging conditions.

Black Hornet® 4 is here.#AnyThreatAnywhere #drones #AUSA2023 pic.twitter.com/7SEs0djGjO

— Teledyne FLIR (@flir) October 10, 2023

Advanced Obstacle Avoidance and Covert Operations

Equipped with advanced obstacle avoidance, the Black Hornet 4 enhances flight performance for agile operations in complex environments. It deploys rapidly in less than 20 seconds, allowing operators to identify distant targets and assess real-time weapon effects.

In covert missions, the drone’s low visual and audible signature is invaluable for identifying potential threats day and night, offering a strategic advantage.

Customer Engagement and Global Success

The Black Hornet 4’s development involved close collaboration between US and Norwegian experts. Despite being sensitive, customer feedback has played a significant role in shaping the drone’s capabilities. With deliveries to over 40 countries, including Ukraine, the Black Hornet series has earned its reputation for effectiveness in challenging environments.

The journey of innovation and collaboration culminates in the Black Hornet 4, a cutting-edge nano-drone that will shape the future of military and reconnaissance operations.

Future-Proof Nano-Drone Technology and Global Success

The Black Hornet 4 is not merely an incremental upgrade but represents a significant leap into the future of nano-drone technology.

Dr. JihFen Lei, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Teledyne FLIR Defense, described it as a “future-proof nano-drone technology.” It has been designed with the needs of dismounted soldiers and covert operations, where precise and immediate intelligence is crucial.

Teledyne FLIR Defense’s success in this venture is underscored by its global reach. The company has delivered over 20,000 Black Hornet Personal Reconnaissance System (PRS) units to military and security forces in more than 40 countries. Notably, the US Army has invested over $125 million in Black Hornet drones through its Soldier Borne Sensor program. In a testament to their continued success and demand, the Army recently awarded Teledyne FLIR a substantial five-year contract worth up to $94 million for additional Black Hornet systems.

Global Military Investment and Civilian Market Growth

Introducing the Black Hornet 4 aligns with a global trend in military investment in uncrewed technologies. Drones and robots offer military forces the ability to conduct reconnaissance, refine targeting, and engage in combat from a safe distance, reducing human risk. Teledyne FLIR Defense’s Black Hornet 4 exemplifies this innovative direction in military technology.

Beyond the military sector, the civilian market for drones is experiencing rapid growth. Statista, a data analysis firm, projects this market to reach a value of $38 billion by 2027. This surge reflects the increasing interest and investment in drone technology by the military and commercial entities. Drones are finding applications in various fields, including surveillance, agriculture, and delivery services.

Pitching to the US Defense Department and Global Adoption

Teledyne FLIR Defense is poised to present the Black Hornet 4 to the US Defense Department, where its exceptional capabilities could have applications across various military branches.

The Norwegian armed forces are also a significant consideration for the adoption of this advanced drone technology. With operations concentrated in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Europe, Teledyne’s reach ensures that the Black Hornet 4 can be deployed effectively in diverse global contexts.

This move towards presenting the Black Hornet 4 to leading defense departments and forces underscores the company’s commitment to staying at the forefront of drone technology in military and civilian applications.

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The development of Black Hornet drones showcases an impressive journey of innovation and adaptation, evolving from their early origins to becoming essential tools in military and reconnaissance operations worldwide. With the groundbreaking Black Hornet 4, Teledyne FLIR Defense is well-positioned to maintain its legacy of offering state-of-the-art solutions in the dynamic landscape of modern warfare.