30 AEROSPACEMANUFACTURING
UAVs I WATCHKEEPER TUAV
(a subsidiary of Elbit), Watchkeeper, though, so Thales UK’s
and the I-Master SAR/ choices of materials and processes have
GMTI radar, supplied been chosen to meet UK MoD approval.
by Thales will be the Furthermore, in order to provide the
mission payloads for most cost-effective solution Thales UK
Watchkeeper. ensured that the subcontractors that
CoMPASS (Compact were selected would not only provide
Multi-Purpose Advanced best-of-breed subsystems and services,
Stabilised System) but would also be able to meet the
sensors can include: programme’s manufacturing and delivery
third-generation, 3- requirements.
5 micron focal plane For example, the air vehicle is powered
array FLIR, 8-12 micron by rotary engines from UAV Engines Ltd
FLIR, colour TV camera (UEL), based in Lichfield, UK, and uses a
with zoom, eyesafe two-bladed pusher propeller. Specifically,
laser rangefinder, diode- the propulsion system for the WK450
Joint venture | U-TacS will provide the manufacturing base for the UAV
pumped laser designator, UAV is an upgraded variant of the engine
laser target illuminator specialist’s water-cooled AR801 Wankel
and upgrades during the life of the and autotracker. engine that has been redesigned to
Watchkeeper programme. An onboard wide-band satellite link meet the specific requirements of the
The UAV will be capable of full provides extended range operation programme.
integration with both the US Network without deploying a separate radio relay The PCMO Project Control
Centric Warfare (US NCW) and the UK aircraft. The Watchkeeper UAV will team is using a combination of two
Network Enabled Capability (UK NEC). be connected by satellite datalink to a software tools – Primavera and Cobra
The use of NATO standard data links network of containerised ground control – to monitor the schedule and produce
and international standards for image stations, where the imagery will be Earned Value reports. Schedule risks
data transfer will contribute to system analysed and disseminated. The 20ft-long are also modelled and mitigated against
interoperability. GCS, supplied by Marshall SV, will be using RiskPredict, in conjunction with
The Watchkeeper UAV, designated carried by standard DROPS trucks. the IPT, and a joint Thales/IPT Risk
WK450, will be capable of carrying The WK450 can be pre-programmed Register is used to ensure programme
a range of sensors including day and to carry out fully autonomous missions transparency. This means that it is
night cameras and surveillance radars. and can be redirected in flight by the possible to identify potential problems
Two WK450 air vehicles will be able operator on the ground. Take-off and and work them out, jointly, before they
to operate in tandem, with the second landing can be piloted or automatic. can impact the programme.
acting as a communications relay. The The air vehicle is equipped with global Since the UAV flew at ParcAberporth,
ground control station will be network positioning systems, dual computers and Wales, in September 2005, Thales UK
enabled to ensure comprehensive dual datalinks. The electrical and avionics and the IPT have continued to work
communications links, for example, to systems have built in redundancy for together to ensure that the system
airborne stand-off radar, attack aircraft increased reliability. delivers exactly the capability required. A
and battlegroup headquarters. For long Thales says the Watchkeeper is an wide range of functionality and capability
endurance missions the air vehicle can be innovative programme in that it was tests have been ongoing as part of the
fitted with two 50l underwing auxiliary one of the first to be contracted under programme to meet the 2010 scheduled
fuel tanks. The air vehicle has a typical the UK MoD’s SMART procurement date for service.
endurance of 17 hours. process. It was contracted in terms of Alex Dorrian, Thales UK Chief
WK450 has a maximum payload provision of a capability, rather than Executive Officer, says: “The
capacity of 150kg. The payload will equipment, so there were no unusual Watchkeeper system will provide the
include day/night sensors, a laser materials or manufacturing limitations UK with a powerful asset capable of
designator and a Synthetic Aperture placed on the design team. The operating in theatres around the world
Radar/Ground Moving Target Indicator integrated project team (IPT) is using and in all weather conditions. This is
(SAR/GMTI). its Project Oriented Environmental an exciting glimpse into the future of
The CoMPASS electro-optic Management System (POEMS) tool to aerospace technology.” ❙
observation system, supplied by El-op manage the environmental impact of www.thalesgroup.com
AM_jul07_p29-30_UAV.indd 30 29/6/07 11:05:26
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