FLIR’s Black Hornet 3 PRS to be delivered to the British Army
FLIR Systems Inc. (FLIR) has recently announced that it has been awarded a US$1.8-million contract by the British Army to deliver the FLIR Black Hornet 3 Personal Reconnaissance System (PRS).
FLIR Systems Inc. (FLIR) has recently announced that it has been awarded a US$1.8-million contract by the British Army to deliver the FLIR Black Hornet 3 Personal Reconnaissance System (PRS), which will support platoon- and troop-level surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, as well being used in part for a test and evaluation of nano Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) capabilities to enhance warfighters’ situational awareness on the frontlines.
The Black Hornet 3 is a pocket-sized high-definition live-video transmitting device that sends information back to the operator and weighs 32 grams, has a flight time of up to 25 minutes, and is almost completely silent. The still images and video feed provide soldiers with immediate covert situational awareness to help them complete their mission more effectively.
David Ray noted that, back in 2013, the British Army was one of the first military forces to deploy the technology, which aided troops operating in an active combat zone in Afghanistan. “We are pleased they have again chosen FLIR for its nano UAS solution and we are proud to provide the Black Hornet 3, our latest version of this revolutionary, lifesaving technology, to soldiers on the battlefield,” he added.
Having distributed over 7,000 Black Hornets to military customers worldwide, this new contract with the British Army further expands use of the Black Hornet PRS for military surveillance and reconnaissance programmes. The order is for an experimental procurement of the combat-proven Black Hornet PRS and part of the UK Ministry of Defence’s Transformation Fund Rapid Procurement Initiative. FLIR will manufacture the systems in Hvalstad, in Norway, and the deliveries, which are to begin immediately, are expected to be completed within six months.
For further information on the FLIR Black Hornet PRS, click here.