FLIR Systems Acquires Prox Dynamics
FLIR Systems has acquired Norway’s Prox Dynamics, manufacturer of the Black Hornet nano UAS, FLIR announced on 30 November.
The purchase, for approximately $134 million, will augment FLIR’s surveillance portfolio.
The Black Hornet UAS is a pocket sized, hand-launched UAS designed to give soldiers in the field tactical situational awareness and mission planning capabilities. Weighing less than one ounce, the rotor-wing UAS can fly for up to 25 minutes at line-of-sight distances of up to one mile. It is known by Prox Dynamics –along with its hand controller – as the Personal Reconnaissance System (PRS).
The system uses FLIR's Lepton micro thermal camera, visible spectrum cameras, advanced low-power rotor technology, and proprietary software for flight control, stabilisation, and communications. FLIR intends to invest in optimising the PRS platform to further enhance the range, cost, flexibility, and performance of the system.
The sale will see Prox Dynamics integrated into FLIR's UAS line of business operating within the surveillance segment.
Andy Teich, president and CEO of FLIR, said: ‘This acquisition adds a unique UAS capability to our portfolio. The Prox Dynamics team has created a highly-differentiated solution, incorporating our Lepton sensor, for advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance that fits well with our vision for growth for our surveillance segment.’
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