Australian Department of Defense using the new FLIR Black Hornet 3 (Picture: Australian Department of Defense).
The next-generation Black Hornet 3 Nano-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has been released by FLIR Systems.
The Black Hornet Personal Reconnaissance System (PRS) is the world’s smallest combat-proven nano-UAV and has been used by more than 30 nations over the past seven years.
Previous Black Hornet models have been used in surveillance operations by British troops in Afghanistan.
Manufacturers, FLIR Systems, say the Black Hornet 3 nano-UAV can navigate in GPS-denied environments, enabling military personnel to maintain awareness, threat detection and surveillance.
FLIR Systems add that the Black Hornet 3 weighs just 32 kilograms and it can travel faster and further than previous models, flying 2km at speeds of 21 km/h.
The Black Hornet 3 also boasts improved image quality, with a thermal microcamera and a visible sensor.
FLIR Systems says it also features an "improved encrypted military-approved digital datalink", which improves communication and imagery "significantly" beyond line-of-sight and closed areas.
James Cannon, President and CEO of FLIR, said:
“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.”
Last week, FLIR announced the United States Army’s Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) program ordered a $2.6 million batch order for the Black Hornet 3.
forces.net