Teledyne FLIR Defense Secures $14 Million Boost for Black Hornet Nano-UAV Systems in Army’s Soldier Borne Sensor Initiative
Teledyne FLIR Defense, a division of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), has secured an additional $14 million contract to supply its Black Hornet® 3 Personal Reconnaissance Systems (PRS) to the United States Army. These advanced nano unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are being utilized to enhance squad and small unit-level surveillance and reconnaissance functionalities as part of the Army’s Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) initiative.
In late 2018, the U.S. Army commenced the procurement of Black Hornet 3 drones to back the SBS program. Since that time, it has placed orders amounting to nearly $115 million for the versatile nano drone.
Remarkably lightweight and ideal for operations in contested environments, the nearly silent Black Hornet PRS boasts a flight duration of up to 25 minutes. This combat-tested, compact UAV transmits live video and HD still images directly back to the operator. Its information relay grants soldiers immediate covert situational awareness, enabling them to execute missions more efficiently.
Teledyne FLIR Defense has supplied over 20,000 Black Hornet nano-UAVs to defense and security forces globally.
“The Black Hornet is an exceptionally resilient small package with extraordinary capabilities that provides warfighters with essential situational awareness and standoff before engaging in high-risk operations,” stated Dr. JihFen Lei, executive vice president and general manager of Teledyne FLIR Defense. “We take pride in our support of the Army’s Soldier Borne Sensor program for more than three years and will keep investing in nano-UAS technologies that are transforming the modern battlefield.”
The award-winning Black Hornet 3 is meticulously designed and manufactured by Teledyne FLIR in Norway. Deliveries for the latest SBS orders are slated to commence in mid-2022.
