Black Recon™ is an autonomous micro drone developed by Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies.
Intended for vehicle integration, the system enables crews to launch, operate, recover and recharge without leaving the platform, reducing exposure and supporting faster decisions.
Recommended White Papers
Recommended Buyers Guides
The micro unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was unveiled in June at Eurosatory 2026 in France.
Teledyne FLIR also signed an agreement with STORM, the developer of the Rapid Adapt and Deploy System (RADS), at the event. Under the arrangement, Teledyne FLIR will participate as a RADS application partner, providing a standardised pathway for deploying Black Recon across a wider range of vehicle platforms as part of STORM’s network of certified technology partners.
Black Recon design and features
The Black Recon mini-UAV weighs approximately 350g (0.77lb). It is designed to launch, recover and recharge autonomously from its launch unit, with a three-UAV rotation concept intended to deliver near-continuous overwatch with thermal and visible payloads providing real-time imagery and targeting information.
The UAV carries both electro-optical (EO) and thermal cameras. It is equipped with EO sensors offering 12-megapixel (MP) and 50MP options, alongside a 3x thermal imaging camera with a 650 × 512 resolution.
The platform also includes white illumination lights and is designed for Global Navigation Satellite System-denied environments using advanced sensors and visual navigation, and can conduct radio-silent missions through Visual Inertial Navigation without relying on radio frequency links.
Launch unit details
The launch unit measures 68cm × 65cm × 45cm (27in × 26in × 18in) and weighs less than 80kg.
Each UAV takes off autonomously, conducts reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition (RSTA) tasks, and then returns to the launch unit to be recovered, secured in its berth and recharged. Missions use auto-generated path planning with edge processing for automatic detection, while the system can automatically rotate UAVs as batteries deplete.
The system has robust environmental protection, rated to IP67 and compliant with MIL‑STD‑810H. It has been immersion tested to validate performance during amphibious capsize scenarios. It also supports operating temperatures ranging from -20°C to +49°C, with storage limits of -46°C to +71°C.
Vibration performance aligns with MIL-STD-810H, including wheeled and tracked vehicle profiles, and it is rated to withstand the shock of 20g/11ms across all axes, while electromagnetic compatibility is aligned with MIL-STD-461G Ground Army requirements.
Further, the launch unit supports integration through NGVA, MIL-STD-1275E, GbE, STANAG 4586 and STANAG 4609, as well as DEF STAN 00-82, STANAG 4545, COT (Cursor on Target) and RAS-A (Mavlink).
The unit has a datalink range of up to 6km and includes beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) capability. A high-penetration radio is used for short-to-medium distances, while longer-range missions can be supported via radio relaying through an intermediary UAV.
Coverage can also be extended using an onboard relay function and the platform is compatible with the Black Hornet 4 personal reconnaissance system.
Performance
In flight, the Black Recon UAV can maintain a ground speed of 12m/s (23 knots), with a wind-dependent transit mode allowing speeds of up to 24m/s when travelling to a waypoint. It is rated for gusts of 14m/s and moderate rainfall up to 7.6mm/h.
Endurance is more than 45 minutes with a service ceiling of 3,600m (12,000ft).
Black Recon autonomy and communication
Black Recon’s autonomy features are intended to reduce operator workload through automatic route generation and onboard automatic detection, limiting the need for constant viewing of the video feed.
The system is designed around mission supervision rather than manual piloting, with autonomous flight and built-in collision avoidance. Supported activities include area search, tracking and monitoring, moving ahead to follow, recording a route and returning, and producing aerial photography.
Mission capability
Black Recon is intended to provide RSTA for fighting vehicles. Its mission set includes covert and BLOS reconnaissance, convoy protection support, sensor support for combat engineering tasks, base protection and remotely operated surveillance.
The platform supports positive identification of targets at the maximum effective weapon range and can supply a ballistic computer with target location, direction, speed and wind data.
Additional uses include assessing terrain passability, scanning for mines and improvised explosive devices using the thermal payload, and conducting close-up and under-bridge inspections using onboard illumination.
The system also supports optional 100g mission modules intended for future lethality options, additional sensors, and chemical, biological radiological or nuclear deployments.
Initially created for military requirements, the Black Recon drone can also be applied in public safety and security roles. These include supporting remote deployments for law enforcement first responders, strengthening border and perimeter protection, monitoring critical infrastructure, and conducting maritime and riverine patrols.
