Teledyne FLIR Defense Supplies Black Hornet 4 Drones to Germany
Teledyne FLIR Defense has secured a contract to deliver its advanced Black Hornet 4 Personal Reconnaissance Systems to the German Armed Forces. This agreement encompasses an undisclosed number of nano drones, as well as spare parts and training services. The project will unfold over the next two years in conjunction with European Logistic Partners, a distribution company located in Wuppertal.
Once operational, these unmanned aerial systems will augment the existing fleet of over 33,000 Black Hornet drones already deployed across nearly 50 nations. Notably, the Norwegian-manufactured Black Hornet technology is currently being utilized by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in their ongoing defense against Russian aggression, in addition to its use by the U.S. military.
A Statement from Teledyne FLIR Defense
Ketil Vanebo, Vice President of Teledyne FLIR Defense’s Ketil UAS Norway Operations, expressed pride in collaborating with the Bundeswehr and ELP to provide the German armed forces with the exceptional capabilities of the Black Hornet 4. He noted the growing adoption of this unmanned aerial system across Europe, especially in light of heightened regional and global tensions.
Vanebo emphasized, “A highly stealthy, advanced drone like the Black Hornet 4 provides warfighters with a distinct edge when conducting their toughest missions,” highlighting the strategic advantages these drones offer in modern warfare.
Specifications and Capabilities of the Black Hornet 4
The Black Hornet 4 is a compact drone, measuring 255 millimeters (10 inches) in length with a rotor diameter of 190 millimeters (8 inches). It is designed for rapid deployment, taking less than 20 seconds to launch for reconnaissance missions. Equipped to collect audio, video, and electromagnetic data, the drone can operate effectively within a range of 2 kilometers (1.2 miles).
With a flight speed of 10 meters (33 feet) per second, the Black Hornet 4 is engineered to withstand challenging environmental conditions, including wind gusts of up to 25 knots (46 kilometers/29 miles per hour) and temperature fluctuations from -20 to 43 degrees Celsius (-4 to 109 degrees Fahrenheit). This versatility makes it an invaluable asset for military operations.
