Teledyne FLIR Defense announced the market launch of Black Recon™ at Eurosatory, an autonomously launched micro-drone system that delivers continuous, untethered reconnaissance from military vehicles and fixed installations.
Black Recon lets crews launch, operate, recover, and recharge up to three unmanned aerial systems without ever leaving their platform, cutting operator risk and accelerating decision-making.
The compact, hardened system deploys micro-UAVs in rotation for persistent surveillance day or night, keeping personnel protected inside the vehicle while maintaining uninterrupted ISR coverage.
Each UAV launches autonomously, performs reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition missions, then returns to the launcher for capture, docking, and recharging. With flight times of 50 to 60 minutes and speeds up to 25 m/s per UAV, Black Recon extends surveillance beyond traditional engagement ranges, supporting continuous target tracking and rapid threat detection across all mission profiles.
Key capabilities include:
- Thermal and visible payloads for real-time imagery and targeting data,
- GNSS-denied operation through advanced sensors and visual navigation,
- Radio-silent missions using Visual Inertial Navigation without RF links.
- The system also offers extended range and radio coverage via onboard relay, compatibility with Black Hornet 4 nano-drone, and optional 100-gram mission modules for future lethality, sensor, and CBRN payloads.
Weighing less than 450 grams, each Black Recon UAV combines low size, weight, and power with advanced sensing from Teledyne FLIR Defense’s proven nano-UAS portfolio. Autonomous navigation keeps missions running in GPS-jammed or spoofed environments.
Originally developed for military use, Black Recon’s flexible architecture also supports public safety and security applications including remote first responder deployments, border and perimeter security, critical infrastructure monitoring, and maritime patrols. Its rugged, network-enabled design supports both fixed and mobile deployment for rapid situational awareness in remote, hard-to-reach environments.
The system’s open mission-module architecture is built to evolve with operational needs. Planned future modules include lethality payloads and CBRN detection sensors, expanding Black Recon from persistent reconnaissance to hazard detection and active engagement.
Leadership Comment
“Black Recon represents a major step forward in integrated reconnaissance for ground forces,” said Dr. JihFen Lei, President of Teledyne Defense and Aerospace Group and Senior Vice President of Teledyne Technologies. “By bringing autonomous launch, recovery, and recharging directly to the vehicle, we give operators persistent situational awareness, faster access to actionable intelligence, and greater protection in high-tempo missions.”
Black Recon is available for order now, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027.
Visit Teledyne FLIR Defense at Eurosatory, Hall 5A, Stand A129, to see the Black Recon in person or learn more online.
