Black Hornet 3 a Pocket-Sized Spy Drone

Black Hornets are nano-drones able to perform reconnaissance during combat operations. The Black Hornet 3 equips non-specialist dismounted ...

Black Hornets are nano-drones able to perform reconnaissance during combat operations.

The Black Hornet 3 equips non-specialist dismounted soldiers with immediate covert situational awareness (SA). This micro drone delivers a revolutionary advantage by combining electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) technology, bridging the operational gap between aerial and ground-based sensors.

The US Army aims to equip nearly all ground combat units with the Black Hornet nano-drones, capable of covert aerial reconnaissance. The awarded contract, valued at $39.6 million, goes to FLIR Systems, an Oregon-based company specializing in thermal imaging, surveillance, and navigation technologies.

Nano-UAV technology and its characteristics.

Despite its incredibly compact size, the Black Hornet 3 offers the same level of SA as much larger unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and threat location capabilities comparable to unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). Its real strength lies in its ability to operate nearly silently, enabling soldiers to gather real-time intelligence without alerting enemies. It has an expanded visual range in complex and urban environments. Rapidly engage targets beyond line-of-sight. Conduct real-time weapon effectiveness assessments.

The Black Hornet 3 is extremely lightweight and small enough to fit into a pocket, yet it boasts a flight time of up to 25 minutes. The drone transmits encrypted live video and captures high-definition (HD) still images back to the operator, even under challenging battlefield conditions. Having been combat-proven in multiple operational environments, the Black Hornet 3 is trusted by defense forces worldwide. It is only available to qualified purchasers due to its sensitive military-grade capabilities.

According to FLIR, each Black Hornet can operate in temperatures ranging from -10c to 43c and can withstand wind gusts of up to 20 knots. The Black Hornets will be given to US platoons and small units which require surveillance capabilities while on the ground. FLIR says the first batch of drones, en route to forces now, is part of the Soldier Borne Sensor (SBS) Program which involves investment in both UAVs and ground control systems. "With a camera in the air vehicle, soldiers will be able to see further and around obstacles that they previously wouldn't be able to see in near real time," the US Army says. In the video below, you can see the Black Hornet take flight during SBS testing.

Characteristics

• Size: 6.6 inches across
• Weight: Less than 33 grams
• Range: 1.24 miles
• Speed: Up to 13.35 mph
• Flight Time: Up to 25 minutes per charge
• Imaging: HD photos and live video feed
• Data Encryption: AES-256 standard
• Operating Temperatures: -10°C to 43°C
• Wind Resistance: Up to 20 knots

Technological improvements over earlier models, including enhanced flight stability and sharper thermal imaging, allow the Black Hornet 3 to be deployed even in adverse weather conditions such as strong winds or low visibility. Its ability to quickly send situational updates gives frontline units a strategic advantage, reducing mission risk and improving decision-making speed.

In practice, soldiers deploy the Black Hornet 3 to scout enemy positions, navigate urban terrain, and monitor potential ambush zones without exposing themselves to direct fire. This level of force protection has become indispensable in modern asymmetric warfare, where information superiority can mean the difference between mission success and failure.

The Pocket-sized drone Black Hornet is changing the way the military operates.

With a built-in GPS-denied navigation system and a reliable, secure data link, the Black Hornet 3 ensures that critical intelligence is safeguarded even if communications are jammed or intercepted. Operators can pre-program waypoints or manually control the drone in real-time through an intuitive handheld console.

Looking ahead, future iterations of pocket-sized drones like the Black Hornet are expected to integrate even more autonomous capabilities, allowing them to conduct collaborative swarm reconnaissance missions, map complex structures, or deliver micro-payloads in critical scenarios. As defense technology evolves, the Black Hornet 3 remains a prime example of how compact unmanned systems are shaping the future battlefield.