FLIR Systems’ pocket-sized Black Hornet drone

Back in April 2019 we reported on FLIR Systems‘ $1.8 million contract award from the British Army to deliver the FLIR Black Hornet 3 Personal Reconnaissance System (PRS) (read it here). In this video FLIR Systems demonstrates how the Black Hornet 3 equips the non-specialist dismounted soldier with immediate covert situational awareness (SA).

At just 16.8cm in length, the twin-rotor Black Hornet is tiny, making it easy to transport, and, more importantly, hard to spot when it’s in the air. During flights lasting up to 25 minutes, and with the machine traveling at up to 6 meters (20 feet) per second, the 1.2-ounce drone can stream live video and HD still images through an encrypted data link connected to an operator located up to 1.2 miles away.

The most recent design of the Black Hornet includes a night-vision camera, while another version allows a variety of components to be added according to the specifics of the mission.

Click here to learn more about FLIR thermal cameras for drones >