FLIR Secures $15.4M Boost for Cutting-Edge Black Hornet Nano-Drones in U.S. Army Tech Initiative
FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR) has proclaimed that it has secured an additional $15.4 million contract to provide its FLIR Black Hornet® 3 Personal Reconnaissance Systems (PRS) to the United States Army. These state-of-the-art nano-unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are utilized to enhance squad and small unit-level surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities as part of the Army’s Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) initiative.
In late 2018, the U.S. Army commenced the acquisition of Black Hornet 3’s to bolster the SBS program. Since that time, it has placed orders exceeding $85 million for the FLIR nano-UAV.
Remarkably lightweight and adept for missions in contested environments, nearly silent, and with a remarkable flight duration of up to 25 minutes, the combat-tested, pocket-sized Black Hornet PRS transmits live video and HD still images directly to the operator. This information feed grants soldiers immediate covert situational awareness, enabling them to execute assignments with greater efficacy. FLIR has successfully delivered over 12,000 Black Hornet nano-UAVs to military and security agencies globally.
“Unmanned systems like our Black Hornet provide improved standoff and safety to personnel in perilous situations, which is vital as armed forces broaden their strategies for multi-domain operations,” stated Roger Wells, VP and general manager of Unmanned Systems & Integrated Solutions at FLIR. “We are privileged that the Black Hornet plays a crucial role in the Army’s Soldier Borne Sensor program. Each new order serves as a testament to the impact this technology can have on the battlefield and reaffirms our dedication to advancing innovation in this field.”
The acclaimed Black Hornet is designed and manufactured by FLIR in Norway. Deliveries are set to commence in mid-2021.
