US Army increases scope of Soldier Borne Sensor programme to acquire Black Hornet 3 UAS, budget documents reveal
The Black Hornet Airborne Personal Reconnaissance System (RPS) has been designed to be used by dismounted soldiers (Photo: Teledyne FLIR)
FLIR Unmanned Aerial Systems has been awarded a $93.89 million contract for its Black Hornet 3 nano-drone as part of the US Army's Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) programme. The contract and the latest US Army budget estimate have highlighted several changes in the SBS programme.
On 13 April, the US DoD announced it had awarded FLIR Unmanned Aerial Systems a $93.89 million firm-fixed-price contract for the Black Hornet 3 nano-drone, spare parts and ancillary services. The contract has an estimated completion date of 11 April 2028.
This is the sixth known US Army award for the system, contracts which, to date, total $186.09 million.
| Known Contract number | Value | Date |
|---|---|---|
| First | $2.6 million | May 2018 |
| Second | $39.6 million | January 2019 |
| Third | $20.6 million | May 2020 |
| Fourth | $15.4 million | May 2021 |
| Fifth | $14 million | May 2022 |
| Sixth | $93.89 million | April 2023 |
The funds have been allocated as part of
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![CAE delivers first magnetic anomaly detectors for Japanese maritime patrol aircraft fleet]()
CAE delivers first magnetic anomaly detectors for Japanese maritime patrol aircraft fleet
CAE has delivered the first MAD-XR magnetic anomaly detectors for installation in new P-1 maritime patrol aircraft operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
-
![Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with]()
Why the F-16 fighter jet remains a force to be reckoned with
The Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jet is still in the limelight over 40 years after its first flight. Shephard sums up the latest developments and tells you everything you need to know about the aircraft in the 2020s.
-
![India faces dire fighter and helicopter deficit, with no solution in sight]()
India faces dire fighter and helicopter deficit, with no solution in sight
After crashes, the Indian military has grounded MiG-21 fighters and Dhruv helicopters. India still needs to find a way to overcome deep-seated challenges to replace ageing aircraft.
-
![Supplying F-16 jets to Ukraine won't win the war, but adds new causes of concern for Russia]()
Supplying F-16 jets to Ukraine won't win the war, but adds new causes of concern for Russia
While the question of which Western fighter jet will be ultimately sent to Ukraine now seems settled, how much effect will the F-16's presence have on the conflict?
-
![Turkiye’s strong desire to buy F-16 from US persists, defying previous statements]()
Turkiye’s strong desire to buy F-16 from US persists, defying previous statements
Turkiye's renewed interest in the long-gestating F-16 deal, despite geopolitical hurdles and a potential ban on adding indigenous weapons, highlights the significance of this strategic acquisition for Ankara's military capabilities.
