Photo credit: Hi Consumption
FLIR Systems, Inc. has unveiled the latest Black Hornet, a nano-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for use by global militaries, government agencies, and first responders. The Black Hornet Personal Reconnaissance System (PRS) is currently the world’s smallest combat-proven nano-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), and this next-generation Black Hornet 3 nano-UAV adds the ability to navigate in GPS-denied environments, enabling soldiers to maintain situational awareness, threat detection, and surveillance no matter where the mission takes them. Weighing in at just 32 grams, the Black Hornet 3 offers the lowest SWAP (size, weight, and performance) for UAS available. Offering improved speed and distance compared to previous versions, the Black Hornet 3 flies 2 kilometers at speeds of over 21 kilometers an hour. Read more for an in-depth video, additional pictures and information.
The Black Hornet 3 also integrates sharper imaging processing, thanks to FLIR’s Lepton thermal microcamera core and a visible sensor to allow greater image fidelity. Its design also boasts an improved encrypted military-approved digital datalink, enabling seamless communications and imagery significantly beyond line-of-sight and in closed areas. Plus, it seamlessly integrates into the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) utilized by the military to provide battlefield networks and distribution of information to anyone on the network
“We are excited to bring this advanced Black Hornet 3 to our warfighters and first responders. With longer range and indoor flight capabilities, the latest generation Black Hornet provides full surveillance coverage continuity to the mission. The Black Hornet 3 is representative of FLIR’s new focus on providing full-solution technology, and we look forward to playing a role in helping modernize our military customers,” said James Cannon, President and CEO of FLIR.
