Teledyne FLIR wins $11.2m UAS contract with US Army
Teledyne Technologies has announced that Teledyne FLIR Defense has won an $11.2 million USD contract from the US Army’s Capability Program Executive for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense to deliver more than 45 advanced CBRN unmanned aerial system (UAS) kits.
The kits were developed under the Army’s chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear sensor integration on robotic platforms programme, known as CSIRP. The programme focuses on rapidly prototyping and fielding modular sensor solutions that enhance drones and unmanned ground vehicles through advanced sensing, AI, machine learning, autonomy and communications technologies.
At the centre of the contract is the integration of Teledyne FLIR’s R80D SkyRaider UAS with a suite of "modular CBRN detection payloads and resilient communications technologies", according to a press release from Teledyne FLIR Defense.
"For these kits, the R80D SkyRaider is specially configured with semi-autonomous CBRN search and survey capabilities developed under the CSIRP programme. Thus equipped, SkyRaider enables dismounted frontline units to rapidly assess contaminated environments while keeping soldiers out of harm’s way. Using the detection payloads mounted on the drone, operators can view real-time hazard data through mapping, targeting and communications tools. Once deployed, the SkyRaider can autonomously locate and characterise CBRN threats."
"Safe-guarding soldiers from weapons of mass destruction is at the core of our mission," said Dr. JihFen Lei, president of Teledyne Defense and Aerospace Group and senior vice present of Teledyne Technologies. "These SkyRaider-based sensor kits dramatically improve how units can detect and map CBRN hazards without exposing warfighters to dangerous environments.
"This award also builds on our continued work as lead integrator for the Army’s NBCRV Sensor Suite Upgrade programme, where we’re delivering next-generation sensing and autonomy solutions that give US and allied forces a decisive edge," Dr. Lei added.
Each kit includes the R80D SkyRaider drone carrying a selection of chemical, biological and radiological detection payloads – including the Teledyne FLIR MUVE™ B330 biological sensor – and featuring autonomous operation.
The sensor kits are being built at Teledyne FLIR Defense facilities in Elkridge, Maryland. and West Lafayette, Indiana, with additional engineering performed in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Deliveries are expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026.
