AUSA 2023: Black Hornet 4 nano-UAS described as the previous version ‘on steroids’
The top speed of Black Hornet 4 was more than 50% faster than Black Hornet 3. (Photo: Teledyne Flir Defense)
Teledyne Flir Defense’s new Black Hornet 4 nano-UAS, being unveiled at AUSA 2023 today, has been described by the company as a ‘step change’ with improved range, endurance and sensor capability in a similar-sized package.
Physically, the most notable change to Teledyne Flir Defense’s new Black Hornet 4 nano-UAS has been in the weight which has more than doubled from 32g to 70g. The forward fuselage has remained largely the same size but one company official described the capability change as ‘Black Hornet 3 on steroids’.
Sensor and processing capability were where the biggest changes have occurred, according to Nils-Andreas Haagenrud, senior director of UAS programmes (US) at Flir Defense, which has been driven by customers in 44 countries already using 20,000 Black Hornet systems.
The previous version has a thermal sensor and an EO camera
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![German rearmament – three potential scenarios]()
German rearmament – three potential scenarios
With the possibility of a massive increase in German defence spending on the horizon, Shephard analyses what such a boost could mean for the Bundeswehr’s procurement of new armoured vehicles.
-
![RAFAEL’s Laser Defense Systems Revolutionize the Battlefield]()
RAFAEL’s Laser Defense Systems Revolutionize the Battlefield
A Pioneering Laser Powerhouse, RAFAEL transforms laser technology into proven operational defense capabilities.
-
![DSEI 2025: Larger vehicles begin to turn to the benefits of rubber tracks]()
DSEI 2025: Larger vehicles begin to turn to the benefits of rubber tracks
Composite rubber tracks (CRTs) have substantial benefits over conventional steel tracks including reduced damage when travelling on roads and reduced vibration, noise, thermal signature, weight and fuel consumption.
-
![Lockheed Martin lands US Army US$9.8 billion Patriot contract]()
Lockheed Martin lands US Army US$9.8 billion Patriot contract
The contract will be used to produce 1,970 Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC-3 MSE) interceptors and hardware.
-
![DSEI 2025: Leopard 1 offered extra kick with new power pack]()
DSEI 2025: Leopard 1 offered extra kick with new power pack
The new power pack from Germany’s Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG) is about 300kg lighter than the original system, consists of a more modern eight-cylinder diesel developing up to 1,080hp. It is being shown for the first time at DSEI.
