FLIR Systems has secured a contract from the US Army to deliver additional Black Hornet 3 personal reconnaissance system (PRS).
The advanced nano-unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will support the US Army’s Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) programme. The contract value is $15.4m.
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Under the SBS programme, these UAVs are being used to strengthen the surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities of squad and small units.
In 2018, the US Army placed a procurement contract with FLIR for an initial batch of Black Hornet 3 PRS to support the SBS programme.
So far, the total value of orders for the FLIR nano-UAV amounts to over $85m.
The combat-proven, pocket-sized nano UAV is extremely light and almost silent when in use. The system has a flight time of up to 25 minutes.
Black Hornet PRS relays live video and HD still images, providing soldiers with real-time battleground situational awareness. This helps soldiers in making informed decisions and increase the efficiency of the mission.
To date, the company has delivered over 12,000 Black Hornet nano-UAVs to defence and security forces worldwide.
FLIR Unmanned Systems and Integrated Solutions vice-president and general manager Roger Wells said: “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.
“We’re honoured the Black Hornet plays an integral part in the army’s Soldier Borne Sensor programme. Every new order is a testament to the difference this technology can make on the battlefield and renews our commitment to advancing the science.”
Designed and built by FLIR in Norway, the Black Hornet systems’ delivery will start in the middle of this year.
