Teledyne FLIR Defense Unveils New Black Hornet 4 Personal Reconnaissance System at AUSA Conference
Teledyne FLIR Defense, a division of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, is revolutionizing the field of military reconnaissance with the introduction of its latest innovation, the Black Hornet® 4 Personal Reconnaissance System. Unveiled at the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) conference in Washington D.C., the Black Hornet 4 builds upon the success of its predecessor, the Black Hornet 3, to deliver enhanced covert situational awareness to small military units.
Weighing in at just 70 grams, the Black Hornet 4 is a lightweight nano-drone that boasts an impressive flying time of over 30 minutes and a range of more than two kilometers. Its advanced battery and obstacle avoidance capabilities contribute to its exceptional flight performance, allowing it to navigate through 25-knot winds effortlessly. The drone is equipped with a new 12-megapixel daytime camera that offers superior low-light performance, as well as a high-resolution thermal imager, enabling it to capture crisp video and still images for operators.
One of the standout features of the Black Hornet 4 is its incredibly low visual and audible signature, setting it apart from small quad-rotor drones. This stealthy characteristic allows the drone to identify threats day or night without being detected, making it an invaluable asset for military operations. With a launch time of less than 20 seconds, the Black Hornet 4 is particularly well-suited for missions in GPS-denied environments. It can rapidly identify targets beyond visual line-of-sight and provide real-time assessments of weapon effects.
Dr. JihFen Lei, the executive vice president and general manager of Teledyne FLIR Defense, expressed his excitement about the Black Hornet 4, stating, “Black Hornet 4 takes the features and capabilities that made Black Hornet 3 world renowned to the next level.” He emphasized the company’s collaboration with customers and end-users to ensure that the system meets the needs of dismounted soldiers and covert operations, where precise and immediate intelligence is crucial. Lei further described the Black Hornet 4 as “future-proof nano-drone technology,” highlighting its cutting-edge nature.
Teledyne FLIR Defense has already made significant contributions to military and security forces worldwide, having delivered over 20,000 Black Hornet PRS systems to more than 40 countries. These drones have proven their effectiveness in challenging environments, including Ukraine, where they have successfully completed numerous missions. The U.S. Army, recognizing the value of the Black Hornet, has been acquiring these drones for the past five years, with orders totaling over $125 million. In fact, in July, Teledyne FLIR was awarded a five-year contract worth up to $94 million for additional Black Hornet systems.
Teledyne FLIR Defense invites attendees of the AUSA conference to visit their booth and witness the Black Hornet 4 in action. The drone is designed and manufactured by FLIR Defense in Norway, showcasing the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology.
Teledyne Technologies, the parent company of Teledyne FLIR, is a global leader in intelligent sensing, unmanned systems, and integrated solutions for defense and industrial markets. With a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees, Teledyne Technologies has been at the forefront of developing advanced technologies that empower professionals to make better, faster decisions, ultimately saving lives and livelihoods.
The introduction of the Black Hornet 4 Personal Reconnaissance System marks a significant milestone in the field of military reconnaissance. Teledyne FLIR Defense’s commitment to innovation and meeting the needs of soldiers on the ground is evident in the development of this next-generation nano-drone. With its improved range, endurance, signature, and imagery data, the Black Hornet 4 is set to provide unparalleled covert situational awareness to warfighters, ensuring their safety and success in the field.