Black Hornet gets more sting

TELEDYNE FLIR DEFENSE has announced several upgrades to its Black Hornet 4 nano-drone which is being showcased at SOF Week 2025 in Tampa, FL.

Black Hornet 4 represents the next generation of lightweight nano-drones, able to provide enhanced covert situational awareness to small fighting units. Compared to quad-rotor drones, the single rotor Black Hornet 4 has an extremely low visual and audible signature, enabling it to identify threats day or night without being detected. The Black Hornet 4 can also be launched in less than 20 seconds and is well suited for missions in GPS-denied environments.

The improvements to the Black Hornet 4 include a 50% increase in radio communications range from two to three kilometers (in optimal conditions), and a new control station android tablet that features improved ergonomics making it easier to use while wearing gloves. The new tablet also has up to twice the battery life of the previous generation, and a battery heater for improved charging in cold temperatures. 

The Black Hornet 4 can operate in 25-knot winds and rain, and extensive testing was performed to validate its already rugged endurance capabilities. The drone itself is now IP-52 rated, able to withstand 7.6 mm of rain per hour while in flight, while the ground control station boasts an IP-54 rating. All of the upgrades to the Black Hornet 4 are being rolled out immediately.

For further information, visit the TELEDYNE FLIR DEFENSE website.