Teledyne FLIR has unveiled a new, advanced version of its famous Black Hornet nano drone featuring a new daytime camera with “superior” low-light performance.
Named the Black Hornet 4, the unmanned system is less than one foot long (30 centimeters) and weighs only 70 grams (0.2 pounds). It’s so small that it can fit in a soldier’s hand.
According to the manufacturer, the new variant builds on its predecessor to deliver improved situational awareness to army units.
It can be launched in less than 20 seconds and can support missions even in GPS-denied environments.
Additionally, the system can rapidly identify targets beyond visual line-of-sight and assess weapon effects in real time.
Teledyne FLIR is expected to offer the Black Hornet 4 to the US Defense Department and the Norwegian armed forces.
‘Future-Proof’
Compared to previous Black Hornets, the latest version has enhanced flight performance and obstacle avoidance capabilities.
It also has an advanced battery that allows it to fly at a maximum speed of 10 miles (16 kilometers) per hour for more than 30 minutes.
The drone has an operational range of two kilometers (1.2 miles) and can withstand a 25-knot wind.
One of the Black Hornet 4’s most noteworthy features is its extremely low visual and audible signature that enables it to identify threats without being detected by enemy radars.
Thanks to its new 12-megapixel camera and high-resolution thermal imager, the system can provide better imagery of the battlefield.
“Black Hornet 4 is future-proof nano-drone technology,” Teledyne FLIR vice president Dr. JihFen Lei said. “We’ve worked closely with customers and end users to make this system even more valuable for dismounted soldiers in need of situational understanding or engaged in covert operations, where precise and immediate intel is crucial.”