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FLIR Black Hornet ~ Major US Army Contract

FLIR Systems has been awarded a $39.6 Million Contract for the Black Hornet Personal Reconnaissance Systems for the US Army Soldier Borne Sensor Program.

 

Press Release, 24 January 2019: FLIR Systems, Inc. has been awarded a $39.6 Million order to deliver FLIR Black Hornet Personal Reconnaissance Systems (PRS) in support of the United States Army. The highly capable nano-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems delivered under this contract will support platoon and small unit level surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities as part of the Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) Program. The US Army awarded in June 2018 the first SBS phase contract to FLIR for an initial batch of Black Hornet PRS. These systems are being delivered now to the US Army for initial integration into the force.

Black Hornet in flight [© Bob Morrison]

“We are proud to be selected by the US Army for the SBS Program of Record. This contract represents a significant milestone with the operational large-scale deployment of nano-UAVs into the world’s most powerful Army.” said Jim Cannon, President and CEO of FLIR Systems. “This contract is a major win for the newly established Unmanned Systems & Integrated Solutions business division at FLIR and demonstrates the strong and urgent demand for nano-UAV technology offered by FLIR. Protecting U.S. warfighters with our unmanned solutions is a key objective for FLIR.”

This contract expands the use of FLIR’s Black Hornet PRS for Army surveillance and reconnaissance programmes. FLIR has delivered over 8,000 Black Hornet nano-UAVs around the world. Due to the significantly increased demand for unmanned aerial system (UAS) support in the US, FLIR is expanding its UAS service and repairs centre in Somerset, Kentucky. Deliveries will begin in early 2019.

Norwegian Army recce operator of the NATO VJTF preparing to launch Black Hornet [© Bob Morrison]

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