Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
FLIR Acquires Maker of 'Black Hornet' Mini Surveillance Drone
The sensor manufacturer plans to improve the range, performance and cost of the pocket-sized surveillance system the British military uses.
Arne Skjaerpe of Prox Dynamics displays the Black Hornet, which the British military first used in Afghanistan. (Photo: Bill Carey)
Arne Skjaerpe of Prox Dynamics displays the Black Hornet, which the British military first used in Afghanistan. (Photo: Bill Carey)

Sensor supplier FLIR Systems is now a drone manufacturer after acquiring a company that makes the miniature helicopter host of its coin-sized Lepton infrared sensor. The Norwegian company—Prox Dynamics—scored a breakthrough in 2012 when it sold the 18-gram (0.6 ounce) PD-100 Black Hornet to the British Army; it says 15 nations now use the tiny surveillance drone.