Latest news with #BlackHornet4
Business Wire
11-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Teledyne FLIR Defense Media Statement on Secretary Hegseth's Drone Dominance Directive
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), has made the following statement in regard to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's 'Unleashing U.S. Military Drone Dominance' memo of July 10. 'Teledyne FLIR Defense readily supports U.S. Department of Defense efforts to bolster our drone readiness and ensure all our warfighters are equipped with the right drone systems, technology, and training to achieve success on the battlefield.' Share 'Teledyne FLIR Defense readily supports U.S. Department of Defense efforts to bolster our drone readiness and ensure all our warfighters are equipped with the right drone systems, technology, and training to achieve success on the battlefield,' said Dr. JihFen Lei, president of Teledyne FLIR Defense. 'The Black Hornet nano-drone, shown flying in Secretary Hegseth's video, has been supporting America's military for more than six years. 'Along with our SkyRaider, Rogue 1, and other UAS platforms, we stand committed to keep providing the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities – and more – that give our armed forces a clear tactical edge.' The U.S. Army began acquiring Black Hornet drones in 2018 for its Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) program. Since then, it has placed orders under SBS and other contract vehicles totaling more than $300 million. Last month, the company announced that its Black Hornet 4 was approved for the 'Blue UAS List,' enabling DoD and other government users to acquire the system as a vetted, secure drone solution for multiple needs. In May, FLIR Defense opened a new 13,000 sq ft facility in Somerset, Kentucky that will function as a major support hub for servicing, testing, and training on Black Hornet systems used by U.S. forces. Black Hornet 4 represents the next generation of lightweight nano-drones, able to provide enhanced covert situational awareness to small fighting units. Its 12-megapixel daytime camera and high-resolution thermal imager deliver crisp video and still images to the operator. At just 70 grams Black Hornet 4 can fly for more than 30 minutes, over three kilometers, and function in 25-knot winds and rain. Flight performance is augmented by advanced obstacle avoidance capabilities and other features. FLIR Defense has delivered more than 33,000 Black Hornet drones to military and security forces in over 45 countries. About Teledyne FLIR Defense Teledyne FLIR Defense has been providing advanced, mission-critical technology and systems for more than 45 years. Our products are on the frontlines of the world's most pressing military, security and public safety challenges. As a global leader in thermal imaging, we design and build sophisticated surveillance sensors for air, land and maritime use. We develop the most rugged, trusted unmanned air and ground platforms, as well as intelligent sensing devices used to detect chemicals, biological agents, radiation and explosives. At Teledyne FLIR Defense we bring together this expertise to deliver solutions that enable critical decisions and keep our world safe – from any threat, anywhere. To learn more, visit us online or follow @flir and @flir_defense. About Teledyne Technologies Teledyne Technologies is a leading provider of sophisticated digital imaging products and software, instrumentation, aerospace and defense electronics, and engineered systems. Teledyne's operations are primarily located in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Western and Northern Europe. For more information, visit Teledyne's website at
Miami Herald
25-06-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
China Military Unveils Mosquito-Sized Drones for ‘Special Missions'
A military university in China's Hunan province has unveiled a mosquito-sized drone designed to carry out surveillance while evading detection. "This type of micro-robot is especially suitable for special missions, such as information reconnaissance, on the battlefield," said Liang Hexiang, a student at the National University of Defence Technology, told China Central Television in a June 14 report. Newsweek reached out to the Chinese Foreign Ministry by email with a request for comment. Technological advances have enabled sensors, batteries, and other components to be packed into ever smaller frames, enabling development of smaller, lighter, and increasingly sophisticated drones. Miniaturization opens up a host of possibilities, from a low-cost alternative to missiles to search and rescue operations. At the same time, it also raises concerns over personal privacy and criminal exploitation. What To Know The new device, developed at China's National University of Defence Technology, is just 2 centimeters long (under an inch), 3 cm wide (just over an inch), and weighs less than 0.2 grams. It appeared almost weightless between the researcher's fingers in the CCTV broadcast. While the design pushes the limits of miniaturization, similar micro-robotics research has been ongoing elsewhere. Another insectoid robot, Harvard Microrobotics Laboratory's RoboBee, achieves flight by beating its wings 120 times a second with artificial muscles. The goal is for swarms of these tiny robots to one day assist with tasks like rescue missions or artificial pollination. On the military side, slightly larger micro-drones like the Black Hornet-originally developed in Norway and produced by Teledyne FLIR Defense-have boosted situation awareness among dozens of armed forces. The newest Black Hornet 4 can transmit thermal images, cover distances up to 2 miles, and remain airborne for more than 30 minutes, according to the company. Despite their promise, analysts say ultra-tiny drones like the "mosquito" are limited in their potential on the battlefield. Bryce Barros, a security fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based Truman National Security Project, told Newsweek: "The impact of this mosquito-sized drone on wartime surveillance will likely be minimal due to its limited capacity, short range, and presumable short battery life," Timothy Heath, senior international defense researcher at the Rand Corporation, told The Telegraph: "If China is able to produce mosquito-sized drones, it would likely be interested in using them for various intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks, especially in places that larger drones struggle to access, such as indoor areas. Perhaps most consequential, Barros said, is how UAVs like the National University of Defence Technology's new model could be integrated into China's dual-use drone strategy, particularly when it comes to artificial intelligence and asymmetric warfare, where such technologies can offer an edge against larger conventional forces. Related Articles Tesla Suffers Fresh Blow in EuropeBusiness Optimism Collapses Under TrumpNewsom California Initiative Accused of Links to Chinese Influence NetworkChina Responds to Trump's Cryptic Post About Iran Oil 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
25-06-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
China Military Unveils Mosquito-Sized Drones for 'Special Missions'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A military university in China's Hunan province has unveiled a mosquito-sized drone designed to carry out surveillance while evading detection. "This type of micro-robot is especially suitable for special missions, such as information reconnaissance, on the battlefield," said Liang Hexiang, a student at the National University of Defence Technology, told China Central Television in a June 14 report. Newsweek reached out to the Chinese Foreign Ministry by email with a request for comment. Why It Matters Technological advances have enabled sensors, batteries, and other components to be packed into ever smaller frames, enabling development of smaller, lighter, and increasingly sophisticated drones. Miniaturization opens up a host of possibilities, from a low-cost alternative to missiles to search and rescue operations. At the same time, it also raises concerns over personal privacy and criminal exploitation. What To Know The new device, developed at China's National University of Defence Technology, is just 2 centimeters long (under an inch), 3 cm wide (just over an inch), and weighs less than 0.2 grams. It appeared almost weightless between the researcher's fingers in the CCTV broadcast. A student at National University of Defense Technology in Hunan province, China, hold a mosquito-sized drone in a report aired by China Central Television on June 14, 2025. A student at National University of Defense Technology in Hunan province, China, hold a mosquito-sized drone in a report aired by China Central Television on June 14, 2025. CCTV While the design pushes the limits of miniaturization, similar micro-robotics research has been ongoing elsewhere. Another insectoid robot, Harvard Microrobotics Laboratory's RoboBee, achieves flight by beating its wings 120 times a second with artificial muscles. The goal is for swarms of these tiny robots to one day assist with tasks like rescue missions or artificial pollination. On the military side, slightly larger micro-drones like the Black Hornet—originally developed in Norway and produced by Teledyne FLIR Defense—have boosted situation awareness among dozens of armed forces. The newest Black Hornet 4 can transmit thermal images, cover distances up to 2 miles, and remain airborne for more than 30 minutes, according to the company. Despite their promise, analysts say ultra-tiny drones like the "mosquito" are limited in their potential on the battlefield. What People Are Saying Bryce Barros, a security fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based Truman National Security Project, told Newsweek: "The impact of this mosquito-sized drone on wartime surveillance will likely be minimal due to its limited capacity, short range, and presumable short battery life," Timothy Heath, senior international defense researcher at the Rand Corporation, told The Telegraph: "If China is able to produce mosquito-sized drones, it would likely be interested in using them for various intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasks, especially in places that larger drones struggle to access, such as indoor areas. What's Next Perhaps most consequential, Barros said, is how UAVs like the National University of Defence Technology's new model could be integrated into China's dual-use drone strategy, particularly when it comes to artificial intelligence and asymmetric warfare, where such technologies can offer an edge against larger conventional forces.
Business Wire
23-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Teledyne FLIR's Black Hornet 4 Nano-Drone Approved for Defense Innovation Unit's Blue UAS List
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), announced that its Black Hornet® 4 Personal Reconnaissance System has successfully completed the required NDAA and cyber security verification process and been approved for the Blue UAS List with an Authority to Operate. "We're honored to see Black Hornet 4 added to the Blue UAS List, knowing more operators across our military and government will be able to benefit from this one-of-a-kind drone and its distinct capabilities,' said Dr. JihFen Lei, president of FLIR Defense. Share Led by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), Blue UAS vets and verifies commercial drone technology for the Department of Defense and U.S. government. The Blue UAS List gives users access to a wide range of drone systems that can meet their diverse needs. In February Teledyne FLIR announced that Black Hornet 4 was selected by DoD operators from among more than 35 uncrewed aerial system (UAS) products, all rigorously tested during DIU's ' Blue UAS Refresh' event. 'We are honored to see Black Hornet 4 added to the Blue UAS List, knowing that more operators across our military and federal government will be able to benefit from this one-of-a-kind drone and its distinct capabilities,' said Dr. JihFen Lei, president of Teledyne FLIR Defense. 'DIU is filling a critical national need in meeting mission requirements by executing a more expansive Blue UAS program, and we have valued our partnership with them throughout the verification process.' Black Hornet 4 represents the next generation of lightweight nano-drones, able to provide enhanced covert situational awareness to small fighting units. Its 12-megapixel daytime camera and high-resolution thermal imager deliver crisp video and still images to the operator. At just 70 grams Black Hornet 4 can fly for more than 30 minutes, over three kilometers, and function in 25-knot winds and rain. Flight performance is augmented by advanced obstacle avoidance capabilities and other features. In May, FLIR Defense opened a new 13,000 sq ft facility in Somerset, Kentucky that will function as a major support hub for servicing, testing, and training on Black Hornet systems used by U.S. armed forces. FLIR Defense has delivered more than 33,000 Black Hornet drones to military and security forces in over 45 countries. The U.S. Army began acquiring Black Hornet systems in 2018 for its Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) program. Since then, it has placed orders under SBS and other contract vehicles totaling more than $300 million. The award-winning Black Hornet is designed and built by Teledyne FLIR Defense in Norway. About Teledyne FLIR Defense Teledyne FLIR Defense has been providing advanced, mission-critical technology and systems for more than 45 years. Our products are on the frontlines of the world's most pressing military, security and public safety challenges. As a global leader in thermal imaging, we design and build sophisticated surveillance sensors for air, land and maritime use. We develop the most rugged, trusted unmanned air and ground platforms, as well as intelligent sensing devices used to detect chemicals, biological agents, radiation and explosives. At Teledyne FLIR Defense we bring together this expertise to deliver solutions that enable critical decisions and keep our world safe – from any threat, anywhere. To learn more, visit us online or follow @flir and @flir_defense. About Teledyne Technologies Teledyne Technologies is a leading provider of sophisticated digital imaging products and software, instrumentation, aerospace and defense electronics, and engineered systems. Teledyne's operations are primarily located in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Western and Northern Europe. For more information, visit Teledyne's website at
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Teledyne FLIR Defense Unveils Multiple Upgrades to Black Hornet 4 Nano-Drone at SOF Week
Teledyne FLIR Defense has announced a number of upgrades to its Black Hornet® 4 Personal Reconnaissance System to further boost operational effectiveness for warfighters. Improvements include a 50% increase in Black Hornet's radio communications range from two to three kilometers. The BH4's new Android tablet now has up to twice the battery life, plus a battery heater for charging in cold temperatures. The new tablet also features improved ergonomics, making it easier to use while wearing gloves. Black Hornet 4 represents the next generation of lightweight nano-drones, able to provide enhanced covert situational awareness to small fighting units. Its 12-megapixel daytime camera and high-resolution thermal imager deliver crisp video and still images to the operator. At just 70 grams, Black Hornet 4 can fly for over 30 minutes and more than three kilometers. Fifty percent greater comms range and easier-to-use Android tablet with twice the battery life are some of new user-driven features on Black Hornet unmanned aerial system TAMPA, Fla., May 07, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), has announced a number of upgrades to its Black Hornet® 4 Personal Reconnaissance System to further boost operational effectiveness for warfighters. The enhanced features are being showcased at the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week annual conference at the Tampa Convention Center, May 6 to May 8. In development over the past year, the series of improvements include a 50% increase in Black Hornet's radio communications range from two to three kilometers (in optimal conditions). The BH4's new Android tablet, part of the ground control station, now has up to twice the battery life, plus a battery heater for charging in cold temperatures. The new tablet also features improved ergonomics, making it easier to use while wearing gloves. Black Hornet 4 can operate in 25-knot winds and rain, and extensive testing was performed to validate its already rugged endurance capabilities. The drone itself is now IP-52 rated, able to withstand 7.6 mm of rain per hour while in flight, while the ground control station boasts an IP-54 rating. All of the upgrades are being rolled out immediately. "Since its inception, our team has focused on continually improving the Black Hornet UAS to ensure maximum mission effectiveness," said Ketil Vanebo, vice president of Unmanned Systems-Norway at Teledyne FLIR Defense. "We've listened to feedback from operators at the tactical edge and incorporated their needs into these latest capabilities and features. We're proud to make them available to Black Hornet 4 users worldwide." Black Hornet 4 represents the next generation of lightweight nano-drones, able to provide enhanced covert situational awareness to small fighting units. Its 12-megapixel daytime camera and high-resolution thermal imager deliver crisp video and still images to the operator. At just 70 grams Black Hornet 4 can fly for over 30 minutes and more than three kilometers. Flight performance is augmented by advanced obstacle avoidance capabilities and other features. Compared to quad-rotor drones, the single rotor Black Hornet 4 UAV has an extremely low visual and audible signature, enabling it to identify threats day or night without being detected. Able to launch in less than 20 seconds and well suited for missions in GPS-denied environments, Black Hornet 4 can be used to rapidly identify targets beyond visual line-of-sight and assess weapon effects in real-time.
