UAVs I WATCHKEEPER TUAV
A WATCHING BRIEF FOR A
TACTICAL UAV
Watchkeeper | A powerful asset capable of operating in all weather conditions
Back in July 2004, the UK Ministry of Defence announced that Thales UK had
been selected as the preferred bidder for the Watchkeeper Tactical Unmanned
Air Vehicle (TUAV) system. Watchkeeper will provide the UK armed forces
with Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR)
capability. Simon Simmons provides an update
I
n August 2005, Thales UK was – Elbit’s capability in unmanned air supply chain managers very early on
awarded the contract for the vehicles and Thales UK’s capability in in the life of the programme to ensure
Development, Manufacture and detection, identification, electro-optics, efficient two-way communication
Initial Support (DMIS) phases of imaging, signal processing and system between Thales UK, as prime contractor,
the Watchkeeper programme, a integration. and the top tier subcontractors, as well as
tactical system that will be operated U-TacS will provide the manufacturing the other industrial team members.
by the British Army Royal Artillery. base for the UAV itself, as well as Along with Elbit, the Watchkeeper
Programmed to enter service in 2010, a integration for the system as a whole. industrial team includes Boeing;
full Watchkeeper system can be deployed U-TacS will also provide critical UAV Cobham (major sub-assemblies and
to theatre in a single C-130 Hercules subsystems, integration and support components); Cubic Corporation
transport aircraft. throughout the life of the programme. (datalinks); LogicaCMG (digital
To meet the project deadlines, The company will train and employ a battlespace integration); Marshall SV
Thales UK was keen to reduce risk highly skilled workforce that is able to (ground station shelters and vehicles);
by using tried-and-tested design and deliver and support this programme Praxis (programme safety); QinetiQ
manufacturing processes as far as from its base in Leicester, UK which (airworthiness consultancy and image
possible, and the setting up of UAV is intended to become a focal point for data management); UAV Engines Ltd
Tactical Systems Ltd (U-TacS), a joint UAV technical excellence. (propulsion); and Vega (training).
venture between Thales and Elbit, In terms of procurement, the Thales Boeing was selected as a team member
made use of design and manufacturing UK Prime Contract Management Office to support UK and US interoperability
experience from the two companies (PCMO) set up an infrastructure of and to play a role in technology
AEROSPACEMANUFACTURING 29
AM_jul07_p29-30_UAV.indd 29 29/6/07 11:05:24
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