www.military.ie the defence forces magazine
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The Black Hornet provides instant situ-
ational awareness within two minutes of
activation and is capable of covert target
surveillance and route reconnaissance.
There is no assembly required and it is easy
to operate.
Using the Black Hornet, an infantry patrol
or Special Forces team can quietly conduct
surveillance missions that enhance security
by 'seeing the hidden'. The system also al-
lows the team to get a close look at danger-
ous situations as they unfold.
Having a drone that is very easy to carry,
starts from the palm of the hand, and that
can be launched from confined areas, pro-
vides a significant tactical capability.
The complete system, comprising two
nano-helicopters, base station, hand con-
troller, display unit and pouch, weighs only
1.3kg, and comes with a hard, waterproof
transport case.
Its small size and electric motor renders
it inaudible and invisible beyond short
distances. Nano-UAVs are inherently safe
and pose virtually no risk to other aircraft or
personnel, allowing the system to be oper-
ated almost anywhere, at any time, without
prior airspace co-ordination.
The base station contains every thing
necessary to plan, execute and analyse
missions. It stores all mission data and
its internal rechargeable batteries supply
power to the external display and also
recharge the drones.
The PD-100 is designed as a short range
ISTAR system for lower echelon combat
units, providing them with a quick reaction
reconnaissance and surveillance capability.
UAV
Rotor diameter: 120mm
Fuselage length: 120mm
Mass: 16grams (including payload)
Endurance: 25 minutes
Max speed: 6kts
Wind tolerance: 10-15kts
Range: 1,000m+ (line-of-sight)
Base station
Dimensions: 200mm x 80mm x 50 mm
Mass: 0.6kg
Data storage: Video and stills from >6 missions
