Teledyne FLIR
Teledyne FLIR is the thermal imaging and sensing business of Teledyne Technologies, which completed its acquisition of FLIR Systems in May 2021 for about US$8 billion. FLIR was established in 1978 to pioneer high-performance, low-cost infrared thermal imaging for airborne uses, and it is based mainly in Wilsonville, Oregon, with Edwin Roks as executive vice president and CEO of the Teledyne FLIR businesses. Its robotics history includes buying Prox Dynamics in 2016 for US$134 million, maker of the Black Hornet nano drone for military reconnaissance, and in 2019 Endeavor Robotics for US$382 million and Aeryon Labs for US$200 million. Today it offers the Black Hornet personal reconnaissance systems, including the Black Hornet 4 for the US Army, and the R80D SkyRaider, a variant of the R70 developed for the US Department of Defense with Group 2 to 3 payload capability from a VTOL aircraft one operator can deploy.
💡Notable Achievement: Teledyne completed its US$8 billion acquisition of FLIR Systems in May 2021.
What Does Teledyne FLIR Do?
Teledyne FLIR is the thermal imaging giant, part of Teledyne since 2021, whose drone line includes the Black Hornet nano drone and R80D SkyRaider.
“Thermal sensing plus military drones.”
Black Hornet
Personal reconnaissance nano drone.
R80D SkyRaider
DoD VTOL small UAS.
Acquisitions
Prox Dynamics, Endeavor Robotics, Aeryon Labs.
What Can Teledyne FLIR Robots Actually Do?
Cross-portfolio operational capabilities, manipulation tasks, and environmental competencies
Defense drones and sensors.
Small UAS
Black Hornet and SkyRaider for reconnaissance.
Teledyne FLIR Robots
Showing 2 of 2 total models
Black Hornet
By: Teledyne FLIR
Launched: 2012
The Black Hornet is a palm-sized nano drone designed for personal reconnaissance, delivering real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) in military and tactical operations. Weighing under 70 grams, it features high-resolution electro-optical and thermal cameras for day/night imaging, advanced GNSS-free navigation for indoor and GPS-denied environments, and collision avoidance for safe flight. With over 30 minutes of flight time, a range exceeding 2 km, and stealthy low acoustic signature around 20 dB, it supports autonomous waypoint missions, manual control, and rapid deployment in under 30 seconds. Ruggedized for winds up to 46 km/h and rain, it equips soldiers with covert situational awareness, obstacle detection, and dynamic mission adjustments, enhancing operational safety and efficiency in complex terrains.
R80D SkyRaider
By: Teledyne FLIR
Launched: 2022
The R80D SkyRaider is a mission-ready, tactical quadcopter engineered for the U.S. Department of Defense and federal agencies. It delivers Group 2-3 payload capabilities within a Group 1 rucksack-portable footprint, supporting external loads up to 7.7 lbs (3.5 kg). Powered by multiple embedded NVIDIA TX2 processors, it functions as an edge-of-network supercomputer capable of real-time AI object detection and classification. With an open architecture and the proprietary RaiderOS, the SkyRaider excels in GPS-denied and contested electromagnetic environments. Its carbon fiber and magnesium airframe is tested to MIL-STD-810G standards, ensuring reliable ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and payload delivery in extreme weather conditions.
Teledyne FLIR Timeline & Milestones
Evolutionary history, landmark prototypes, major acquisitions, and commercial roadmap
FLIR Systems established
FLIR Systems is established to pioneer high-performance, low-cost infrared thermal imaging systems for airborne uses.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
FLIR acquires Prox Dynamics
FLIR acquires Prox Dynamics, maker of the Black Hornet nano drone, for US$134 million.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
FLIR acquires Endeavor Robotics and Aeryon Labs
FLIR buys Endeavor Robotics, the former iRobot defence unit, for US$382 million and drone maker Aeryon Labs for US$200 million.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Teledyne completes acquisition of FLIR
Teledyne Technologies completes its acquisition of FLIR Systems for US$8 billion, forming Teledyne FLIR.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Teledyne FLIR Competitors by Category
Direct industry rivals grouped by specific robotics domain
What Makes Teledyne FLIR Different?
Editorial AnalysisOrigin of Bots objective strategic assessment, engineering moats, and commercial hurdles
Key Strengths & Moats
- ✓Deep defense relationships and sensor expertise.
- ✓Broad unmanned portfolio.
Core Strategic Focus
Defense drones and thermal payloads.
Road Ahead & Challenges
- •Heavily dependent on government budgets.
- •Competition from Skydio.
Teledyne FLIR vs Key Competitors
Strategic capability matrix across platform categories, commercial readiness, and target markets
Category / Focus
- Black Hornet
- Nano reconnaissance drone
- R80D SkyRaider
- Defense VTOL drone
- Skydio X2D
- Defense drone
- Parrot ANAFI USA
- Defense drone
Primary Use
- Black Hornet
- Tactical reconnaissance
- R80D SkyRaider
- Tactical ISR, forward resupply
- Skydio X2D
- Defense reconnaissance
- Parrot ANAFI USA
- Public safety, search-and-rescue
Weight
- Black Hornet
- 0.070 kg (Drone only); 1.3 kg (Total system weight with controller/belt pouch)
- R80D SkyRaider
- 5.0 kg (Airframe, arms, legs, and 4 batteries; no payload)
- Skydio X2D
- 1.3 kg (2.87 lbs)
- Parrot ANAFI USA
- 485 g (1.07 lbs)
Release Year
- Black Hornet
- 2012
- R80D SkyRaider
- 2022
- Skydio X2D
- 2023
- Parrot ANAFI USA
- 2020
| Strategic Dimension | Black Hornet | R80D SkyRaider | Skydio X2D | Parrot ANAFI USA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category / Focus | Nano reconnaissance drone | Defense VTOL drone | Defense drone | Defense drone |
| Primary Use | Tactical reconnaissance | Tactical ISR, forward resupply | Defense reconnaissance | Public safety, search-and-rescue |
| Weight | 0.070 kg (Drone only); 1.3 kg (Total system weight with controller/belt pouch) | 5.0 kg (Airframe, arms, legs, and 4 batteries; no payload) | 1.3 kg (2.87 lbs) | 485 g (1.07 lbs) |
| Release Year | 2012 | 2022 | 2023 | 2020 |
Corporate Ecosystem & Ownership Structure
Parent company relationships, historical acquisitions, and global operating facilities
Teledyne Technologies
Acquired FLIR in May 2021 for US$8 billion.
Ownership & Acquisition History
Acquired FLIR in May 2021 for US$8 billion.
Black Hornet maker bought in 2016.
Global Facilities & Operating Hubs
Teledyne FLIR Headquarters
HQWilsonville, Oregon, United States
Articles & Industry News
Showing 2 recent articles and news updates about Teledyne FLIR
Switzerland Fields Black Hornet 4 on Piranha Vehicles 2026
News about Black Hornet
R80D SkyRaider Integrates STORM RADS for Vehicle Deployments Post-EnforceTac 2026
News about R80D SkyRaider
Frequently Asked Questions
8 AnswersVerified answers, company specifications, and deployment details about Teledyne FLIR
What is Teledyne FLIR?
Teledyne FLIR is the thermal imaging and sensing business of Teledyne Technologies, formed when Teledyne acquired FLIR Systems in May 2021 for about US$8 billion.
What is the Black Hornet?
The Black Hornet is a nano drone for personal military reconnaissance, developed by Prox Dynamics, which FLIR acquired in 2016 for US$134 million, and now sold by Teledyne FLIR.
What is the R80D SkyRaider?
R80D SkyRaider is a Teledyne FLIR drone based on the R70, developed for the US Department of Defense, with Group 2 to 3 payload capability from a VTOL aircraft.
When was FLIR founded?
FLIR Systems was established in 1978 to pioneer high-performance, low-cost infrared thermal imaging systems for airborne uses. Teledyne FLIR is the thermal imaging and sensing business of Teledyne Technologies, which completed its acquisition of FLIR Systems in May 2021 for about US$8 billion.
What robotics companies did FLIR buy?
FLIR bought Prox Dynamics in 2016, and Endeavor Robotics, the former iRobot defence unit, and Aeryon Labs in 2019. Teledyne FLIR is the thermal imaging and sensing business of Teledyne Technologies, which completed its acquisition of FLIR Systems in May 2021 for about US$8 billion.
Who runs Teledyne FLIR?
Edwin Roks serves as executive vice president and CEO of Teledyne FLIR, with Robert Mehrabian as chairman of Teledyne, according to its Wikipedia profile.
How dependent is FLIR on government?
About 31 percent of FLIR's 2020 revenue came from the US federal government and its agencies, according to its Wikipedia profile.
Where is Teledyne FLIR based?
Teledyne FLIR is based mainly in Wilsonville, Oregon, with a secondary office in Arlington, Virginia that opened in 2019. Teledyne FLIR is the thermal imaging and sensing business of Teledyne Technologies, which completed its acquisition of FLIR Systems in May 2021 for about US$8 billion.
Verified Data & Editorial Assurance
Compiled from verified corporate filings, official Teledyne FLIR datasheets, and robotics engineering registries. Information has been verified against official manufacturer documentation. For commercial procurement or proprietary integrations, contact the manufacturer directly.