Watchkeeper Unmanned Aircraft System - Thales Group · The Watchkeeper system has fully autonomous mission control ... maintenance and logistics. ... This document and any data included

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WATCHKEEPERUnmAnnEd AiRCRAfT SySTEm (UAS)

A unique platform for performance

The versatile Watchkeeper system is highly transportable and has fl exible deployment options. It is built to the same exacting standards as manned aircraft, and is modular in design, so it can be adapted and upgraded for specifi c operational requirements. Fully network-enabled, the system will serve the UK Armed Forces for the next 30 years.

1. Rapid transportation and deploymentTransportable by air, land and sea in a protective, international standard container, Watchkeeper assembles and disassembles fast, and can take off and land from prepared or semi-prepared airstrips.

2. Robust, safe and reliableWatchkeeper is built to CS23/STANAG 4671 airworthiness certifi cation standards. It is operable in zero visibility, harsh weather conditions and extreme temperatures. It has a unique de-icing system that detects and eradicates any build-up of ice, keeping it fully operational.

3. fully autonomous mission system, take-off and landingThe Watchkeeper system has fully autonomous mission control and Autonomous Take off and Landing System (ATOLS), which minimises operator burden, and reduces manning and training costs. Its on-board autonomous emergency logic includes lost-link and glide to pre-programmed emergency landing sites.

4. future-proof, with extensive growth potentialWatchkeeper’s modular design enables future growth potential to maintain pace with changing technology and threat changes. A number of packages are available that can be tailored to user requirements.

Clockwise from top: Pre-fl ight deployment checks, Watchkeeper’s ruggedised transportation solution, Full autonomous take off and landing capabilityThe fu

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Watchkee

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Watchkeeper’s key iSR Capabilities

1. SurveillanceWatchkeeper’s range and endurance – and its combination of electro-optical, infrared and radar sensors – allow both point and wide-area surveillance in all weathers, and even in zero-visibility.

2. ReconnaissanceWatchkeeper can gather vital information on the whereabouts of potential threats, non-combatants and friendly forces. It also supports route reconnaissance, identifying possible threat locations and providing detailed terrain information.

3. information operationsWatchkeeper gathers and transmits imagery for information operations – for example, details of collateral damage or hostile actions.

4. Target acquisitionWatchkeeper can identify and pinpoint targets, and, when appropriate, control or cue military action. Its sensors and laser subsystem provide accurate target location data to support precision assets, and can mark targets for ground forces.

5. Situational awarenessWatchkeeper can transmit high quality images and video securely and reliably to numerous locations, giving commanders information and Image Intelligence (IMINT) that greatly enhances situational awareness.

Watchkeeper key performance statistics

CS23 / STANAG 4671 airworthiness system certifi cation

In excess of 140km line-of-sight range

16+ hours’ operation

15,000ft+ operational ceiling

95 knots top speed

A Sophisticated Ground Control System for mission Execution

The Watchkeeper’s GCS is its primary mission-planning, command and control interface, and can operate independently or as part of a C4I network. Missions are not mutually exclusive, and Watchkeeper can be dynamically re-tasked while airborne.

Depending on operational requirements, the GCS can be static or semi-permanent, or fully mobile due to a range of transportable options. The GCS portable Shelter enables deliberate and dynamic tasking for mission sorties, and mission execution. The GCS can independently exploit and disseminate information, and can be networked into a variety of different information architectures.

multi-sensor CapabilityWatchkeeper carries the very latest optical and radar systems. Payload confi gurations include HD electro/optical, infrared and laser capabilities, to allow observation, recognition and transmission – and precision location accuracy – at any time of day or night, and in extreme weather conditions.

The Thales I-Master Radar performs both Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) in strip-map and spotlight modes, and supports high quality ground mapping. The Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) can detect and track moving targets.

Optical Sensor:

High defi nition Electro/Optical CameraFor daylight observation, detection, and recognition, and directing and tracking targets both day and night. Transmits high defi nition still images and real time video

infra-red CameraIdeal for night observation, detection, recognition, and tracking targets.

Laser Sub System (LSS)Comprises a Laser Target Designator and a Laser Target Marker for marking targets by laser, and providing precision location.

Radar Sensor:Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)*

SAR modes: Strip-map SAR, illuminating terrain parallel to the UAV’s path. Spotlight SAR, illuminating a fi xed area for a defi ned period.

The radar’s aim alters progressively and precisely as the UAV follows its fl ight path, to keep the specifi ed area illuminated.

When processed at the GCS, radar data can help produce high quality ground mapping images that, when used with digital map data and management software, provide optimum surveillance capabilities.

Ground moving Target indicator (GmTi)*Detect and track moving targets such as very low speed, low radar cross section foot patrols through to fast moving targets such as speeding vehicles and under-fl ying aircraft.

* Both the SAR and G/MMTI capabilities are provided by Thales I-Master Radar: the world’s leading lightweight tactical surveillance GMTI/SAR radar.

from top: The GCS Shelter contains the Watchkeeper system’s main computing infrastructure, which provides a safe, air-conditioned work environment

Clockwise from top: Example of G/MMTI ‘pattern of life’, Example SAR ground mapping image, Watchkeeper carries both radar (front) and a high defi nition optical sensor (rear)

Operational ServicesThales Airborne ISR Services provide focused data and information to help customers make timely, better-informed decisions. We collect, interpret and securely send information in the most appropriate formats, using the most appropriate platforms, sensors and communication channels.

These ISR capability services apply to the Watchkeeper UAS. According to each customer’s specifi cation and operational requirements, Thales provides scalable solutions, including the Watchkeeper system’s entire range of equipment, operational staff, training, maintenance and logistics. This ensures continuous system availability and fully focused ISR information.

TrainingThales provides classroom, simulation and live training to suit every operational requirement. All training is computer-aided and instructor-led.

A full virtual simulated training environment develops both technical and tactical training with After Action Review (AAR), and a Part Task Trainer gives practical maintenance training.

World-le

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Clockwise from top: Flexible service solutions from Thales, Practical maintenance training for Watchkeeper UAS, Classroom-based training

© 2013 THALES UK LTD. This document and any data included are the property of Thales UK Ltd. No part of this document may be copied, reproduced, transmitted or utilised in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Thales UK Limited having first been obtained. Thales has a policy of continuous development and improvement. Consequentially the equipment may vary from the description and specification in this document. This document may not be considered as a contract specification. Graphics do not indicate use or endorsement of the featured equipment or services. 3862/08/2013. © All images copyright of Richard Seymour Photography. Design and production by Space Worldwide. www.spaceworldwide.com

Thales UK Ltd,Manor Royal, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 9HA, UKTel: +44 (0) 1293 580000 Email: [email protected] www.thalesgroup.com/uk

Why Thales?

Thales has an exceptional international presence, working with customers and local partners, and supporting operations around the world. The Thales Group shares a common base of technology across its military and civil business, with a single objective: the security of people, property and nations.

Thales UK is the Prime Contractor and Design Authority for the UK Watchkeeper UAS, which is the largest UAS contract in Europe. The Watchkeeper UAS provides persistent, timely and accurate ISTAR to commanders 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The fully network-enabled system will serve the UK Armed Forces for the next 30 years.