www.thalesgroup.

com/uk
WATCHKEEPER
UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM (UAS)
A unique platform for performance
The versatile Watchkeeper system is highly transportable and has 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 specic operational requirements. Fully network-enabled, the system
will serve the UK Armed Forces for the next 30 years.
1. Rapid transportation and deployment
Transportable 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 reliable
Watchkeeper is built to CS23/STANAG 4671 airworthiness
certication 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 landing
The 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 potential
Watchkeepers 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-ight deployment checks, Watchkeepers ruggedised
transportation solution, Full autonomous take off and landing capability
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Watchkeepers key ISR Capabilities
1. Surveillance
Watchkeepers 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. Reconnaissance
Watchkeeper 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 operations
Watchkeeper gathers and transmits
imagery for information operations
for example, details of collateral
damage or hostile actions.
4. Target acquisition
Watchkeeper 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 awareness
Watchkeeper 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 certication
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 Watchkeepers 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 Capability
Watchkeeper carries the very latest optical and radar systems. Payload congurations 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 Denition Electro/Optical Camera
For daylight observation, detection, and recognition,
and directing and tracking targets both day and night.
Transmits high denition still images and real time video
Infra-red Camera
Ideal 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 UAVs path.
Spotlight SAR, illuminating a xed area for a dened period.
The radars aim alters progressively and precisely as the UAV
follows its ight path, to keep the specied 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-ying aircraft.
* Both the SAR and G/MMTI capabilities are provided by Thales I-Master Radar:
the worlds leading lightweight tactical surveillance GMTI/SAR radar.
From top: The GCS Shelter contains the Watchkeeper systems 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 denition optical sensor (rear)
Operational Services
Thales 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 customers specication and operational
requirements, Thales provides scalable solutions, including the
Watchkeeper systems entire range of equipment, operational
staff, training, maintenance and logistics. This ensures
continuous system availability and fully focused ISR information.
Training
Thales 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.
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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 rst been obtained. Thales has a policy of continuous development and improvement. Consequentially the equipment may vary from the description
and specication in this document. This document may not be considered as a contract specication. 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, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1293 580000 Email: enquiries@uk.thalesgroup.com 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.