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Black Recon: The 450-gram micro-drone changing the rules of engagement
🇬🇷 Greece /Technology

Black Recon: The 450-gram micro-drone changing the rules of engagement

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Teledyne FLIR Defense unveiled the Black Recon, a micro-drone system weighing under 450 grams, at the Eurosatory exhibition in Paris.
  • The system combines automatic launch and recovery, offering continuous battlefield awareness for high-risk missions without exposing soldiers.
  • It features a docking station supporting up to three drones for near-constant surveillance and can operate without GPS in electronic warfare environments.

Teledyne FLIR Defense has introduced the Black Recon, an innovative micro-drone system weighing less than 450 grams, at the international Eurosatory exhibition in Paris. This system integrates automatic launch and recovery capabilities, designed to provide continuous battlefield awareness during high-risk missions while keeping soldiers protected within armored vehicles.

The Black Recon addresses the military's need for real-time imagery and data from the front lines without direct exposure to danger. Drones can be launched directly from military vehicles or fixed installations, with automatic recovery and recharging ensuring units remain ready for successive missions. The system's docking station supports up to three micro-drones, allowing one to be in flight while another recharges, ensuring nearly uninterrupted surveillance.

Black Recon is a significant step forward in integrated reconnaissance for ground forces.

— Dr. JihFen LeiPresident of Teledyne's Defense and Aerospace Group, describing the drone system's capabilities.

Dr. JihFen Lei, president of Teledyne's Defense and Aerospace Group, stated that the Black Recon represents a significant advancement in integrated reconnaissance for ground forces. She highlighted that integrating launch, recovery, and charging directly onto military platforms provides operators with faster access to information and enhanced protection. Each drone boasts a 50-60 minute flight endurance and can reach speeds of up to 25 meters per second.

A key feature of the Black Recon is its resilience in electronic warfare environments. The drones can operate without GPS, utilizing advanced sensors and opto-inertial navigation for signal-emission-free operation. The system also supports signal relay functions to extend communication coverage and is compatible with the nano-drone Black Hornet 4. It provides real-time thermal and visual imaging, crucial for targeting during operations. While developed for military use, Teledyne suggests potential future applications in public safety, such as border surveillance and critical infrastructure protection.

The integration of launch, recovery, and charging directly onto military platforms offers operators faster access to information and increased protection.

— Dr. JihFen LeiPresident of Teledyne's Defense and Aerospace Group, explaining the benefits of the Black Recon system.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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