FLIR Systems has won an additional US$15.4 million contract to deliver its Black Hornet 3 Personal Reconnaissance Systems (PRS) to the US Army.
The nano-unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are being used to augment squad and small unit-level surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities as part of the Army’s Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) program.
In late 2018, the US Army began acquiring the Black Hornet 3 to support the SBS effort. Since then, it has placed orders totalling more than $85 million for the nano-UAV.
The combat-proven, pocket-sized Black Hornet PRS transmits live video and HD still images back to the operator. Its information feed provides soldiers with immediate covert situational awareness.
FLIR has delivered more than 12,000 Black Hornet nano-UAVs to defence and security forces worldwide, including the ADF.
“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,” said Roger Wells, VP and general manager of Unmanned Systems & Integrated Solutions at FLIR. “We’re honoured the Black Hornet plays an integral part in the Army’s Soldier Borne Sensor program."
The Black Hornet is designed and built by FLIR in Norway. Deliveries to the US Army will begin mid-year.