The United States military currently has around 14,000 troops throughout Afghanistan.  Over the last 17 years of American military presence there, the US has utilized a wide range of the latest and most sophisticated technology available to aid in missions.  One of the most common forms of advanced technology being used is military grade drones.  The US made history with the use of weaponized drones like the Predator and the Reaper.  Now they are ready to deploy a new drone to help aid in reconnaissance missions.

The new drone is actually an update on a system already in place called the Black Hornet Personal Reconnaissance System (PRS).  The new model is the Black Hornet 3, as opposed to the already successful Black Hornet PD-100.  It resembles more of a toy helicopter than an expensive piece of military equipment.  Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, the Black Hornet weighs less than 33 grams and is only 6.6″ long with a 4.8″ rotor diameter.  It was created by FLIR Systems, a Wilsonville, OR based company that specializes in thermal imaging cameras, the components associated with them, and UAVs for government applications.

According to the FLIR website the “FLIR Black Hornet PRS equips the non-specialist dismounted soldier with immediate covert situational awareness.” Sgt. Ryan Subers is one of the soldiers who has recieved training to begin using this new model.  He said, “This kind of technology will be a life-saver for us because it takes us out of harm’s way while enhancing our ability to execute whatever combat mission we’re on.  I’m very grateful for technology like this and to be a part of the first unit to use it.”  The Black Hornet will allow ground troops to search environments before entering into dangerous situations, without detection.

Troops will begin using the new Black Hornet 3 this summer after the US Army awarded FLIR Systems more than $40 million in contracts for it’s development.  What makes this drone so unique it’s size, capability, and ease of use.  It is designed so that one single member of a unit can deploy and carry all the necessary equipment needed to operate and monitor the drone.  Little training is needed to become adept with the system which can be launched in a manner of seconds when needed.  The drone can fly autonomously, manually, or even hover in spot.  The thermal camera relays a live feed video or still frames to a portable monitor.  The camera works in both bright light and night environments, providing critical information.

Since it’s founding in 1978, FLIR has grown to be the largest commercial company of it’s kind employing around 3,000 individuals and servicing multiple world wide governments.  The US military hopes that the new Black Hornet 3 will be available to all of it’s Afghanistan based troops shortly, for now it will be used by soldiers with the 1st Battalion of the 82nd Airborne Division’s 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment.  The ultimate goal is of course to be able to soon start sending troops back home.  Hopefully the Black Hornet will provide troops with the intel needed to eventually reach that outcome.