{"id":12027,"date":"2019-09-11T15:31:40","date_gmt":"2019-09-11T15:31:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/c4isrnet\/uncategorized\/2019\/09\/11\/unleash-the-hornets-combat-vehicles-and-robots-get-new-kit-to-increase-standoff\/"},"modified":"2026-08-07T21:42:56","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T21:42:56","slug":"unleash-the-hornets-combat-vehicles-and-robots-get-new-kit-to-increase-standoff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/c4isrnet\/unmanned\/2019\/09\/11\/unleash-the-hornets-combat-vehicles-and-robots-get-new-kit-to-increase-standoff\/","title":{"rendered":"Unleash the hornets: Combat vehicles and robots get new kit to increase standoff"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

LONDON \u2014 A FLIR<\/a> system that deploys tiny UAVs<\/a> from a ruggedized container affixed to the front of a vehicle is helping shape how advanced teaming<\/a> can be used tactically against near-peer threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At DSEI \u2014 a major defense exposition in London \u2014 the system that deploys Black Hornet UAVs, which is the system chosen by the U.S. Army for the Soldier Borne Sensor program<\/a>, made its appearance in several variations around the showroom floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

German company Rheinmetall had it on the front of its Mission Master unmanned ground vehicle representing a surveillance variant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Norway\u2019s Kongsberg had the system integrated with a remote weapon station. The idea is that the package of tiny UAVs can be forward-deployed from a combat vehicle while soldiers stay inside and maintain standoff from enemy forces. The UAVs can perform reconnaissance and possible targeting assistance so the vehicle knows where it can shoot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The tiny drone, used by UK forces abroad since 2011, was retired from service in 2017. A new order suggests the Black Hornet is about to be reintroduced into the UK Army. (Daniel Wiepen \/ Ministry of Defence)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The data from the drone\u2019s tiny camera can feed into the vehicle\u2019s weapon station, providing intel to the gunner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The concept was first unveiled as a prototype at the Association of the U.S. Army\u2019s annual conference in Washington in 2018, but it is now a complete system ready for the market, according to Ole Aguirre, FLIR senior director of UIS strategic initiatives and partnerships in the company\u2019s unmanned systems and integrated solutions division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The system accommodates four Black Hornets in four individual compartments, which close up to protect the little drones. Two UAVs can simultaneously deploy while the other two charge using power from the vehicle, Aguirre said.<\/p>\n\n\n\t