A Chinese company has unveiled a copy of the Black Hornet Nano. The tiny surveillance drone – named Fengniao, or Hummingbird – is just 17cm long and weighs 35 grams.
Its developer, privately owned Huaqing Innovation based in Shenzhen, said it could transmit high-definition images or real-time footage over a distance of more than 2km. The unmanned aerial vehicle was on show at the Abu Dhabi International Defence Exhibition and Conference last week.
The Fengniao is heftier than the 10cm-long, 18-gram Black Hornet Nano – made by Norway’s Prox Dynamics and used by the US military since 2012 – and can transmit images 400 metres further, though the drones have a similar operation time of about 25 minutes. But the Fengniao’s battery can be replaced after a flight, unlike the Black Hornet which has to be recharged.
They also have similar camera combinations that allow for panoramic images to be taken at a relatively high altitude, and a thermal camera for night vision can be attached to both the Fengniao and the latest Black Hornet.
Other features of the Fengniao include laser sensors on four sides to help it detect and avoid obstacles. It also supports networking data links, meaning it can be used as part of a swarm of up to 16 drones on a mission. Those data links also mean the latest tactical command systems can be used to control the drone from the ground via a smartphone app – and that could give it an edge over the Black Hornet, which has been in service for nearly a decade.
The developer said the micro drone could be used in areas such as public security surveillance and patrols, and for inspecting dangerous places such as chemical warehouses and pipelines.
Photos: Kanzhaji
Source: South China Post
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