FLIR Systems acquires developer behind world’s smallest drone: Prox Dynamics

FLIR Systems has acquired Prox Dynamics AS, the developer behind the world’s smallest drone.

FLIR, a world leader in the development of thermal imaging infrared cameras, has paid around $134m in cash for the Norway-based company.

Founded in Oslo in 2007, Prox Dynamics develops nano-class unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for military and para-military intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance applications.

The PD-100 Black Hornet

Prox Dynamics also develops small, light, covert aerial sensors. The Prox Dynamics’ Personal Reconnaissance System (PRS) features their pocket-sized, hand-launched Black Hornet aerial sensor and hand controller.

The PD-100 Black Hornet is the smallest operational drone in the world by far, according to Prox Dynamics. Weighing only 18 grams – equivalent to just three sheets of paper – they are mounted with day or night-vision cameras.

The Black Hornet aerial sensor already uses FLIR’s Lepton micro thermal camera, visible spectrum cameras, advanced low-power rotor technology and proprietary software for flight control, stabilisation and communications. Weighing less than one ounce, the Black Hornet helicopter can fly for up to 25 minutes at line-of-sight distances of up to one mile.

FLIR, which extends its airborne sensor product line with the acquisition, says it intends to invest in optimising the PRS platform to enhance range, cost, flexibility and performance.

The Prox Dynamics team, said FLIR in the announement, “will benefit from close interaction with FLIR’s thermal sensor development group as well as the ability to leverage FLIR’s brand, distribution, and customer support infrastructure to better serve a global base of users.”

Prox Dynamics will become FLIR’s Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) division within its surveillance section.

“This acquisition adds a unique unmanned aerial systems capability to our portfolio,” says Andy Teich, President and CEO of FLIR. “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.

“The team at Prox Dynamics operates with a commercial mindset, which is a great fit for FLIR’s ‘commercially developed, military qualified,’ or ‘CDMQ,’ operating philosophy. We are excited to welcome the Prox Dynamics team to FLIR and look forward to working together to further advance this remarkable system capability.”

IFSEC International 2017 (20-22 June 2017, London ExCeL) will again feature the Drone Zone. Brought to you in partnership with the UK Drone Show, the Drone Zone will bring together exhibitors with drone and anti-drone technology into a dedicated area to showcase their high-quality UAV products.

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